MNManInKen, I was smiling reading your post. Do you work for BA? Haha. I am quite pleased someone took so much time to comment. My general comment was that yes, it's all about spending and I do not expect free lunch. And frankly, I do appreciate tier benefits when I actually use them: I do not queue for bag drops (I never have any to check in), I check in online, and seat selection on my route is an insignificant benefit, there are many free seats to choose from even an hour before the flight. But some people do need and appreciate that benefit. 25% extra more miles, well, it's nice. I guess silver level is more beneficial to achieve since extra Avios mileage is doubled (which means more 'free' flights faster) and you get lounge access. Yet I am aware I would need to keep on flying with BA to retain my tier level. All in all, I am not making any fuss about it or encouraging clamour. It is what it is. Btw, lifelong tier level membership is not a laughable concept, while BA does not offer that, other airlines, like South African Airlines of Star Alliance, Finnair and Qantas of OneWorld, all SkyTeam alliance do. BMI before BA purchase used to offer.