I dont think that frequent flyer programs are to blame for the industry meltdown... so in that aspect I am in agreement with those that are protesting.

My point is that its makes no sense for frequent flyers that are smart enough to know how to play the system and understand all the rule details, to expect the airlines (many of which are -btw- in financial difficulties) to treat them like true VIP and extend them all the perks.

Furthermore, I strongly disagree when someone insists that fare savvy flyers that buy the lowest possible fares to accrue only mileage and status in ff programs are the BEST customers, and that airlines should do the best they can to not alienate them. Therein lies the crux of this issue....

Yes, these people may have the highest tier in a given program, but they are basically free-riders (in economic terms) and do not constitute the customer that makes an airline profitable.