I do see the overall positive changes for many people. Of course what's good for some isn't good for everyone.

In my case, the changes have little value. In fact, the changes probably result in an overall negative.

The end of the same day change fee is good. I'll take advantage of that on occasion.

Giving full EQM and EQP to everyone doesn't affect me directly. I am allowed to book my own tickets, so I always use co.com anyway. Selfishly, it's probably a negative, as it will allow more people to make platinum and I'll have to compete with the for upgrades and seat 12A.

The minimum elite bonus is nice as well. 90% of my connections go through IAH which is less than 500 miles.

The 1.5 EQP is a bad change for me. I make platinum or points long before miles (although this year was closer). Unless my travel drastically drops off next year, I'll still make it on points. However, there's nothing positive about this change.

The rest of the changes really don't apply to me. (Except the loss of reciprocals on NW, but everyone knew that was coming.)

What it all boils down to in my opinion, is that with these changes as well as DEQM promos, that I don't see much benefit. However, there will just be more people to compete with the few perks I do see.