Overall it is a negative impact for me , since I do have plans to use JQ Starclass and the cost of refundability ( key requirement ) has increased. The removal of Status Credits on starclass basic fares does make sense though sicne I have never thought it makes sense to have, what I would class, a premium economy product which credits and markets as business class . Earning 140 SCs for a $1250 HNL-SYD hardly seems logical to me. I would have thought a PE earning and charging would be more appropriate
Since I will drop back to gold ( since I only now use QF generally for domestic travel and use other carriers for international travel ) the 75% bonus as LTG will reduce the impact of the drop for those flights I cannot credit to AA
Upping COS bonus for PE to 25% , business to 50% and 1st to 100% makes a small benefit, but overall seems to be changes that are neutral for most platinum members and beneficial to all gold and silver members