When CX conducted their last major cull (programme revamp) it lost/cost them a lot of loyal, but not so high spending DMs and Golds. People whose business they could have desperately used once COVID-19 is behind us. These guys may spend less, but they fly more, this stable income is valuable, and once disappears rarely returns.
Perhaps CX learnt their lesson? Well almost:
Those caught in the January to April renewal trap, definitely have more to complain about.