Were the changes implemented by CX 2-3 years ago effective? Worth it? did they achieve their goals?

It became more restrictive and harder to re-qualify for me so that I moved on after 12 years of blind loyalty to CX (Gold with a couple of diamond years) and on to EVA and Star Alliance. The changes implemented meant I would had to fly 5.5 round trips in Econ to re-qualify for gold yearly and I was averaging only 4 trips per year. From a dollar standpoint, I'm pretty insignificant, but trying to maintain status also meant paying 1100 to 1600 for Econ fares to get full mileage credits.

Here's what I miss not being with CX in comparison to EVA.

1. HKG Airport... TPE is not even close
2. HKG Lounges - enough said
3. OP UP's - I was about at 25% rate of getting op up...flying LAX-MNL-LAX route
4. The friendly service from non-HKG based FA's. They were warmer and friendlier to deal with compared to the brusque approach of the HKG (Chinese) crew. CX was truly a great world airline when they were actively recruiting FA's from all over the region.
5. Frequency of flights between MNL and HKG.
6. HKG the city in general...
7. The old fare guarantee policy within 72 hours. I used this one a lot!

What I like about EVA and Star Alliance
1. Cheaper fares for Premium Econ. Usually 1300usd is the norm vs the 1800-2000 CX charges. (LAX-MNL)
2. Easier re-qualification. 80000 miles within a 2 year period re-qualifies for Gold
3. FA's are friendly but you do have to ask them instead of them offering something.

I do wish Cathay can weather the current storm but i can't help but think, they deserve some of the aches they are suffering now.