I was wondering that as well..... what do you really gain by having status when you fly Business?

But if I read your post correctly you not only fly long-haul 3-4 times a year but also there are a lot of flights in the US. Since those can also count toward status achieving the 100k threshold should not really be a problem?

I can understand (not that I like it) that they have decided to reduce the miles earned for the discounted Z fares. It does seem to be more logical if you look at the fare structure vs the miles attached to the booking classes. What I really can't understand is why they have reduced the ability to upgrade using the vouchers (still not quite clear what will happen with those) or using miles, especially since the option of upgrading with miles isn't exactly cheap....

And if you are dissatisfied with the LH business seat just use LX, that's what I do when given the chance. The transfers in ZRH are also a lot better than at FRA, especially when you connecting flight is within Europe and you almost always have to use a bus to get to the plane.

But mostly I think you better get used to FFP's losing value. I feel that will happen to most of them.... And I guess the reality is also that while you think that you are a loyal customer, "only" 3-4 long-hauls in discounted business a year doesn't make you a very profitable one (it's about the same for me). I'm convinced that in the coming years there will be more enhancements to make revenue more of a determining factor in the status you gain. That's why I don't really understand the MyChoice promotion for earning extra status miles. It's like they are trying to have more people earn SEN status while at the same time reducing the benefits. That doesn't really seem to be a smart combination since more people will be dissatisfied that they are getting less benefits.

I also don't welcome the recent enhancements.... but last weekend I made a short trip to FRA-NRT on a cheap economy fare. And it sure was nice to be able to select the window seat in row 76 on the A388 for both flights. And both times the other two seats next to me remained empty. Without status I wouldn't have been sitting there . So it's still worth something...