+1

I gave up on EK at the turn of this year - am now OW and *A focussed. In fact, I actively avoid EK (e.g. choosing to fly indirect to enjoy better metal and cheaper pricing). Example being Cathay from DXB via HKG to Vietnam - biz class for me and partner being 1/3 of the cost of EK and with a better product and service.

I will remain Gold with EK through to July '14 albeit having given up flying EK at the turn of the year due to the complete erosion of any discernible benefit in the Skywards programme and also the continued lack of development in customer service. I am also tired of being told by Emirates how good Emirates are when IMHO they still have an inferior product to others and don't even get me started on the horror that is DXB airport....