As a prior Diamond, you are in a different situation than the previous poster who was only Gold.

Nonetheless, I don't think the FT Diamonds should be granted an extra year vs the rest of us who earn it honestly (BIB-loyal). Why should the FT deserve this when we have been continuously loyal and spent much more $? Why do the FT Diamonds even deserve any special perks at all? The FT can go off to their other programs while still enjoying the extended Diamond status that THEY DID NOT EARN!

I think this is a very strong argument for have a clear differentiation of the Diamonds with the BEST perks and upgrades going to those of us who are BIB-loyal. And yes, I think we should also have a special lounge, reserved solely for BIB-loyal Diamonds and those who want to pay to stay on special floors, like the Cavalieri. It would most likely take care of the increased bad behavior and crowding many of us are seeing in the EL>