I received the email earlier today and reading the first part of the changes I thought ... since the earn rate is slightly lower in this newer iteration than with the Starpoints. I was debating whether it made sense to keep the card at all. However, upon reading the remainder of the announcement (i.e. free reward night, automatic Silver status and the addition of free premium) it made the card a definite keeper particularly if the annual fee stays the same. At the moment I'm Marriott Gold thanks to my hitting UA Gold every year but who knows how long that partnership will last.
Safe Travels,
James