Whenever an airline improves an aspect of their service, they usually involve a group of their passengers/loyal customers in trials and/or studies. Examples are the smart device app, new seats, artwork design for the FF card, inflight meals/service. And they brag about it by saying something like: we listened to your feedback, our most valued customers were involved from the outset.

This announcement does not have any similar reference. Bean counters trying to better manage premium cabins inventory and increase revenue potential. It's not like the whole cabin was open for upgrades to begin with -like many years ago. They're hardly trimming the edges while at the same time ridding the airline from all those pesky low value but savvy frequent travellers.

If EK want to be fair about this, we should expect to see the annual limit for miles purchase/transfer increased along with a drop in the cost per mile. They should also increase the award inventory -especially in F. They should also revise their carrier-imposed surcharges. Lastly if what the LH dude is anything to go by, limit F to Skywards redemptions, though won't be surprised if they impose a 2-week rule as well.

Obviously the above is pure speculation. But what EK did deserves to be thumbed down, despite the advance warning (remember how they made sudden changes in the past, effective immediately)