RustyC, that's certainly true in my case.

beaubo, I think you're really onto something. But I don't know if it's practical to run two simultaneous programs (one for general members and for elites and for new top tier elites and one for old top tier elites.. that those elites could opt into or out of depending on circumstance).

It sounds like a big set of shackles that's a bit much to expect a program to commit to.

Another version of the idea would be to give top elites X number of 'get out of jail free cards' per year. Those chits would be good for waiving any new restrictions/fees/increased redemption prices.