Unless my memory is mistaken, the 150% EQM, which used to be a "class of service bonus" before EQM, was always awarded for paid Y/F/A/D. You got your base miles plus an extra 50%. They only recently added one class just below Y that gets the extra 50%. So, EQM offers no new methods for high-fare customers to earn their status faster, as they will earn the same status on their full fare tickets just as fast now as before....the only change is the penalty against the lower fare customers.

When CO twisted/spun the program change as some "enhancement" for higher fare customers to earn their status faster, they were referring to the very few people who might consider paying even more for their tickets to buy the 50% bonus...disquised as a threat to those of us in the half a dozen fare classes that only earn 50% - translation: pay up and enjoy, or go away because we will make this program as miserable as possible for you cheapie people.