I am only surprised because this change would seem to harm DL/NW every bit as much as it harms us customers. Y and B fares are very lucrative for NW (as are their counterparts for DL) and it would seem that handing out an elite qualifying mileage bonus that costs the airline absolutely nothing (it doesn't serve as a multiplier on redeemable miles) as a potential incentive for customers to purchase more expensive fares is an absolute no-brainer.

To me, this change portends one very unfriendly forthcoming change: less expensive fare classes are headed for an elite qualifying mileage multiplier penalty. Get ready for 50% elite qualifying miles on the non-refundable, discounted, advance-purchase economy fares in the not too distant future.