There's indeed something to be said for revenue based programs like that... but I think the current combination could also work if they indeed would tell a clear and consistent message. If you have just a revenue based program you might lose a substantial number of people that have no change to reach a status level and therefore won't even try. But now with a little luck and some promotions might just be able to reach something and therefore bring in extra revenue. And since they won't be using the benefits often there is not much cost involved.

What's happening now with LH/LX and earnings rates being changed and fare classes, that in revenue don't resemble those changes, is something different.

But if you spend 10 minutes with the M&M program you can easily see that discounted economy, like K-class, doesn't earn you more than 50% with M&M. And nothing on most others.... So that shouldn't be a big surprise. Being sentimental about previous earning rates for just the 3 basic fare classes doesn't change that fact.