Two things -- actually 3 (see below) that hit me while reading these 10+ pages...
1. I have a funny feeling that when we get this new "R" bucket and have both C and R for upgrades, the bucket for the VIPs will be significantly limited compared to the other bucket -- that way AA can convert some of the VIP travel to mileage travel and get the fee (ie, "sorry no VIP upgds left, but we do have the $250OW upgrades left")
2. I wonder how this will affect "old miles?" If this new fee does not apply to old miles, then those at 40K are even more valuable.
and...
3. You can't trust these ScAAmers
. It's over. Weekend trip as prt of an INt'l MR are over unless I have VIPs (assuming that VIPs are not subject to this scAAm)