Firstly, welcome bbar2000 to the EK forum. What's taken you so long?

I can sympathise with you. And my own tune has changed towards EK probably for a lot of the same reasons as you outline. For one, I hate transiting via DXB and in my humble opinion, the DXB experience is only going to get worse as organic growth continues, not to mention the runway work which is going to start next year.

Its clear that EK are becoming far more aggressive with their program (and perhaps more educated) - ie witness the changes post the QF partnership.

But so too are other programs (ie the ones I am familiar with in the US). Dont be surprised if EK transition towards a revenue based system - whereby status will be earned by not only sectors/miles flown but also dollars spent.

EK are a business and I have no problem with them running their airline as efficiently as possible. I just dont think their loyalty program is competitive for a whole lot of reasons. Is it as bad as SQ's? Or even BA's? Probably not, but you can be sure that EK will re-align Skywards where we will see YQ charges increase, award inventory decrease and miles required for an award to continue to head north.

That's their prerogative. But so too is mine to choose the best program for me at this time. Star Alliance and OW are getting all my business at present and I'm still happy with their earn and burn rates and redemption availability.