I think as with every change, there would obviously be people who are upset, but the overall strategy seems right to me in creating additional differentiation between BAEC levels. This unfortunately means that while some benefits get added, some are enhanced away. If you look at what happenned in the last few months:

+ GGL is now harder to achieve at 5000tp
+ Introduction of booking change fees for levels below GGL
+ Decrease in Silver bonus
+ etc

On redemption availability, while rates are going up (ex off peak Zones 1-3), don't forget that earning rates are also going up (for example, J/C/D fares going up from 150 to 250%, which is quite substantial) - this goes in line with the above as it primarily benefits those that fly full fare premium cabins and likely to be Gold and above.