I am still somewhat optimistic that a program that awards bonus miles, and possibly 500-mile minimums, to holders of a US DM-branded credit card (likely the Juniper Master Card, since the contract between BofA and US runs out next spring) is still a possibility.

I think the fact no other airline matched the approach, as they were no doubt hoping for, increases the pressure to do something, especially given that escalating economic pressures are expected to depress demand beyond what they were forecasting. They can now afford even less to lose the business traveler, and perhaps even US management will finally have this realization.

Now, given that Barclay's is suddenly part of the UK's own version of our country's banking bail out/rescue program, it's entirely possible that the game has changed entirely on their end and what was possible last month is no longer up for discussion.

My personal strategy is to finish my CP qualification for '09. If bonus miles don't come back in some acceptable form by the beginning of the year, I'll take a status match and start anew with another carrier. Then I'll at least have access to the CP line for the following 14 months as I'm burning through that million US miles on international premium cabin partner awards.