Wow, I take a day off Flyertalk and look what happens. It's the end of the world it seems. I was going to say much ado about nothing, but I see someone else noted that.

I see that the trend of Frequent Flyer programs in the US has arrived here. Namely in the attempt to reduce the outstanding mile balance, they find new and less valuable ways for us to redeem our miles. And they proudly announce that as a feature.