This!

UA started chipping away at my MP benefits but I still stayed loyal as it was easier. But the cost/benefit equation was less and less on the benefit side such that UA taught me it was about the money/cost to me.

UA taught me I needed to pay more for a ticket for the UG. Okay I did this if I wanted to use a GPU but I would also compare to <W fares for the miles and co-pay for the UG. Then they they taught me UGs would be less frequent and if I wanted to be upfront I needed to look for a "P" class airfare which I did. Then they taught me there will be less "P" fares and more "Z" fares available but the cost differential was significantly higher. Then they took away paying for my GE. Then they took away my waiver of my annual CC fee. I now travel domestically slightly more often and do not have access to a lounge for connecting flights (I am not located in a hub).

Like a previous posted I am fairly indifferent on the miles I earn and predominantly use them for family and friends although do use them for miles and co-pay when it makes financial sense.

I now compare UA with WN on short hops, especially as UA is a connecting flight and WN is non-stop. I now look for international fares on *A carriers that will earn me PQM. NZ in PE is so much better than UA in E+ and LH is starting flights from SAN next summer. I will generally make my PQD so that is fine. I have switched my CC from a Chase UA card to Amex Platinum and as I am 1MM this only impacts UA Platinum but I still aim for 1K status. I like 1K for IRROPS and the GPUs that will stick but basically if I am on a *A carrier they will still look after me.

Lessons well learned.