I know we're not going to find out about the 'relief' until it's announced officially, but I'm certainly curious about these 'vile changes' we were shielded from. Do you know what they were? Loss of EUA? Loss of domestic upgrades on sub-V fares? Domestic upgrade co-pay?

I'm glad to know at least Scott and his team (who else is on the 17th floor?) still support the value of a competitive loyalty product and overall product experience. It's sad to know that a bean-counter mentality is emerging within CO and they need to be fought off to shield customers from changes which could really drive customers away.

I would still like to know exactly how and why the 500m/125% changes actually add to the bottom line - besides reducing the mileage float, which is certainly not revenue-positive, how else do these bonuses concern them? Easier access to rule-buster rewards? How, if inventory for these rewards is being curtailed?

I still think CO and its OP Platinum program offer sufficient product differentiation to keep me around and supportive of the company, but I do agree that the fee changes for Golds was somewhat overly harsh and the differentiation for Silvers has pretty much gone away. I don't fly enough to warrant splitting travel, averaging only about 85K EQMs per year with maybe one Asia trip planned in each subsequent year. For me, either I stay with CO or I move all of my business to DL/NW.

I too would love to see $70/bbl oil again, but I thought CO's position was 'spend a dollar to earn a dollar-ten', not cut and chop just because everyone else is doing it.