These are -not- improvements, but 'enhancements'.

1. First off, calls -are- being dropped. Is AS now using VOIP for their voice traffic?

2. The 'enhanced' system appears to be keyed onto the telephone number tied to the last credit card used for booking. In my case, I use several clients' cards (w/ different numbers) to book flights for myself and others, making it neigh impossible for me to ever be recognized as an MVP Gold by the system.

For a corporate traveller, the CC associated telephone number is almost never the cell or direct line of that person.

3. What's up with AS and Idaho? The last time I called I ended-up with some rube from Boise on the line. Maybe AS is boycotting Arizona (former home of the Phoenix MVP Gold Desk) over that state's curious immigration policies?

The old system of rotating 'secret' Gold numbers worked just fine. I'd like to meet the slick consultant who sold AS this shoddy bill of goods.