I don't disagree with your argument. We could argue that when has EK ever thought about their frequent flyers? I mean, a two tiered program is hardly competitive...and I would be the first to agree that EK has hardly innovated in the loyalty management area.

Just as Silvers have every right to be annoyed with the removal of their lounge benefit, Golds have the same right to be annoyed at having their guest benefit removed as well.

For the first time in a long-time, I know I am personally going to think about pushing business blindly to EK in 2013 because while my earn rate is ok, there is absolutely zero incentive to continue to fly with them post 50K tier miles. But that's another argument.

I'm quite surprised at the level of interest in this subject. We closed the original thread. And it regenerated itself. Again. I'm more than happy for the conversation to continue and we did raise this with EK when Zol and I saw them earlier this week in DXB.