Originally Posted by
GBadger
Personally, I welcome this change as it keeps people from playing/abusing the system, and prevents lower level elites from getting upgraded just because they switched flights.
I think this is only partially correct. While the MQM/mileage bonus is certainly gone, I don't think the upgrade list is protected so much, especially in IROPS situations. Travel disruptions probably still affect the upgrade lists, especially so when you are lucky enough that your new fare class becomes F/J and allows you to rebook front cabin seats on a positive space basis, jumping the upgrade list altogether. While you don't get the mileage bonus, it does open up your options greatly.