The cc PQD waiver is a dealbreaker for me too as a Silver and I'm looking into transferring to the Sapphire Reserve and Ultimate Rewards for miles accrual, while using the miles I have. I'm wondering though - is there ANY program that, as a silver, is any better? The United Club has gone downhill as well, so I'm not that concerned about losing access - I have the AMEX clubs and prefer them anyway. Where would you go? I can do any of the NYC airports, though I avoid LGA like the plague - who knows, maybe it'll improve when they're done (HAH!) with the never ending construction.