I guess being one of those who received a 'gifted' status, I am grateful that United, as they said in the FttF program, if we were unable to meet requirements they would still have our back in December. Thank you, United.

I am also envious of all those who were able to fly in 2020 and 2021 and, from what I read about at least international flights, enjoyed relatively empty planes. (How many times did you get a row to yourself in E?)

As to the lack of upgrades, that's nothing new. I remember 15 years ago or so, it was easy to use the Air Cananda/Aeroplan upgrade certificates and then it wasn't..

I have not been in an airplane for over 2 years, and the way things are going I am not sure when I will get on a plane again. So you won't have to worry about me competing for upgrades, lounge seats or early boarding.

If I do fly in 2022, I will be treating myself by buying business anyway.

Having status is still better than non-status.