Although I'm not a US elite member, what I think would be the best for you guys to do if they eventually do pull back the DMP restriction is say "f**k you and everybody that looks like you". If your partner in life says "Honey, I only loved you for your money", would you go back to s/he if they then said they loved you for you a week later? Heck no! Switch programs, stay at your new one, let US face the consequences for trying to do this. It will give the other airlines an example of why they shouldn't strangle elites.