If they do rip out E+ the level of reaction from the general elite base, to say nothing of the FTers, will be apocalyptic. UA flyers have had E+ for a decade now and I doubt they can be bribed with whatever faux giveback is offered for the removal of E+.

The DL FTers launched a major campaign over SkyMiles when Mullin pooped all over it to the extent where the negative changes were in time rescinded and if CO does decide to pull E+ for cost, I sure hope they figured in the customer backlash (as in marching down Wacker with torches and pitchforks, protesting stockholder meetings, and other such cute activities) in their computations because it's going to be ugly.