hey Dave, All very good points, I guess I am just a bit too overcautious perhaps, though I would be willing to think FT generated enough of a buzz on the Million mile promo, which led to the press getting wind of it. I am very curious to see, over the next months and years, whether or not the speed with which 'insider/scoop/work the system' info gets out and around and what if any will be the reaction of the FF programs concerned. I do think it is a very real possiblility it will have an effect though to what degree would be difficult to guess.
I guess in the case of Marriott in particular my concern would be with the wonderful hotel/air/car/phone award, which really doesn't offer miles, it is only offers a 'quirk' that may lead to a direct miles deposit. This means that they could change that aspect at any time without any recourse for the member as they WOULD be providing as promised. For this reason I thought it best to sound a note of restraint/caution so that that window might remain open. If someone really puts it in their face (and I am sure you are aware of some personalities on this board that are very 'in your face') regarding this aspect of the award they might be motivated to close the loophole. I agree that the size of Marriot versus LP is likely to minimize attention, but at the same time not that many people in Marriott's program have a million plus points to throw around.
I think part of my incentive for posting at all was also more generic, that FlyerTalk, to me, is spinning a bit fast, and that it is possible (though definitely not certain) that this could have an effect on programs. If something is special/rare and suddenly gets common/plentiful there are often repercussions to that.
My comments are in no way a criticism, just an observation and my addition to the dialog!
BTW, I haven't heard back from you yet RE your kindness on the AA certs.....chocolates?...salmon?....
!
[This message has been edited by myriad (edited 09-14-2000).]
[This message has been edited by myriad (edited 09-14-2000).]