Has anyone noticed that the changes in the OneWorld booking classes eligible for tier and miles, introduced on 1st November 1999, made it more expensive than ever to reach Silver and Gold levels ?

The now only eligible economy booking classes ( for points & miles) are Y B H K for BA and CX, compared to Y B K L M on BA and CX, Silver and Gold member benefitting of additional booking classes ( W,V, T) before the 1 November change.

Take a BA flight from continental Europe to, say, Hong Kong:
- before 1 Nov.1999: Q class (no points, but miles for Silver/gold) : about US$ 675, M class (points and miles):US $ 800, viz. a reasonable extra US $ 125 to get points
- now: first eligible class for both points and miles in economy : K class: US$ 1,150 !viz. an extra US$ 475 compared to the cheapest coach fare !!!

Another telling example: Europe to Santiago de Chile: Q class ( no points nor miles for blue; only miles for silver/gold): about US$ 705 ; K class ( points & miles) : about US$ 1575!!

Conclusion: unless additional advantges have been created or unless there's a misunderstanding of the new booking classes, it's become even more difficult and expensive to economy class Executive Club members to renew their tier membership or reach gold tier...

Has anyone more information about this policy change and the reasons for it ?

Gemini