I did the math and based on my earnings last year under the new structure I would have earned 420K points vs 391K, an increase of 7.6%. For starters, earning 50% plat bonus vs 30% is not a 20% increase, going from 130% of base to 150% of base is only a 15.4% increase, then you have to factor in all the Megabonuses, Plat arrival gifts, CC earnings that do not get any better.

Looking at all the awards I have cashed in over the years (4!) I would have spent 10.3% more under the new structure. That is because I was forced to pay 315K points for a travel package at Vail Marriott.

To me that isn't too bad a hit, at least for Plats. The proof will be in the pudding, whether "bad boy" properties REALLY adhere to the no blackout dates or hide behind some sort of scam wrt availability.

I agree with one of the previous posters - retool the travel packages to be 5 nites plus 120K miles. Cat 6 = 5 nites for 120K plus 120K for miles = 240K. Cat 7 = 5 nites for 140K plus 120K miles for 260K. That would take a lot of the sting out of it for me, as three of my four redemptions have been for travel packages.