I certainly wouldn't think that anyone that has been around here for a while is surprised by this development or the fact that we all knew the gravy train would end at some time. I do think the way it was handled is not the best way to keep customers happy and most of all I am surprised that their new "higher-end" credit card offering is going to have the same 40k redemption restriction. I think a lot of people would have been ok with paying a higher annual fee to continue to get the certificates that wouldn't be category restricted. In the end it is what it is and I'll be closing my account when the annual fee becomes due. Sad really as I used to give IHG several nights a year but with the devaluations and now this change I will be clearing out my account and passing on any future stays with them.