Originally Posted by CO FF

Maybe it's just b/c I'm a contrarian, but I view this as quite a significant improvement.

Other than at peak travel periods (Fridays, Sundays, holidays), there's usually a decent amount of last-minute award availability. To be able to book a one-way award ticket at the last second, and combine it with a revenue return a few days later, is a nice option -- especially if you don't have to pay the rush ticketing fee. (I'm thinking deaths/other emergencies, or last-minute biz travel for small business people)