again, the new CR1 earning rules benefits those BUILDING UP to PE and 1K, as well as newly minted 1Ks - these people are those who otherwise would not have gotten their fresh CR1s , as the old system would have mainly only benefited those currently HOLDING 1k and flying quarterly after 1K status is attained. Again, it benefits the middle-class 1P/PE/new1K flyers, and the super flyers with 175k EQMs or more who can earn 10+ CR1s now. it also benefits those who have to fly non-UA star carriers too - which isn't as bad for UA anymore given the rise of UA-ANA and UA-LH profit sharing on many routes.

as a 1K i know I'll get less CR1s after 2012, but as a progressive liberal, i dont see a problem with a lil redistribution of CR1 wealth - esp if it encourages lower 1P/PE elites to fly more. and those flying crazy amounts over 200k a year wont feel it - they'll only stand to benefit more.

A good economic analogy is: UA's new CR1 system is like taxing the upper-middle class (standing 1Ks) a little, while creating a new "tax credit" for the middle class 1P/PEs, but also cutting capital gains tax to benefit and spur the super wealthy 175k+ flyers. in the grand scheme, its a wash.

~Epiding