Just selected SWUs and used two to upgrade a W fare on AF to business class for Octoberfest 2014. Paid $400 over the coach fare for W fare. Found O class availability using Expertflyer. Quite easy. Will definitely miss the SWUs. I see no real reason to be Diamond and these new changes (no transcon upgrades) make me even less likely to want it. I wish 4 SWU with current restrictions dom and int would still be a plat choice (and used on transcons K+ fares). Regional upgrades for those who are pure domestic and not in NYC, SWUs as an expensive middle ground but can be used dom or int and then global upgrades only for diamonds. That would be a great compromise in my mind.

One other suggestion - AA gives you more upgrade certs as you travel. Perhaps offer two transcon certs for every 4 paid business transcon roundtrips? For those of us who's work will pay for business, not having any real way to upgrade on one personal trip is tough (as a PM or below).