So I don't need to write a mini novella to 'show my work'. I've already outlined my perspective.
But if you've forgotten, allow me to refresh you;
- I don't see the same issue with crowding you do. Its a popular card, they're popular lounges, ergo I expect to have to sometimes wait to get in and/or have someone sitting at the table next to me. For the former, in my experience, Amex have been pretty good at managing that, I can't recall waiting more than 20 minutes to get in when its been full.
- Amex are trying to adjust the demand side via the new policy in 2023 and the supply side via the expansion in LGA (for example) and the addition of further lounges to the network. They also have the 3hr rule and no arrivals access. This is all fine by me and good measures. Perhaps they'll need to go further and, as I've mused, institute a set number of comp visits per Platinum card.
- The experience not being like that of years gone by is really a position that harks back to the 'good old days' of smoking on aircraft. The world has changed, travel is accessible, lounges are accessible. As has been mentioned to you, if its exclusivity and solitude you seek then first class tickets and lounges, or even PJs is probably what you need.
Either way, whether its my take or yours, neither of us have a scooby doo what Amex are gonna do next, I'd have laughed out loud if someone had suggested with a straight face they'd be offering complimentary Walmart+ membership as a perk on their premium mainstream offering before 2021 was out. What I will say is that I'd be highly surprised if Amex rate the square footage numbers higher than the Platinum cardholder numbers (Economics 101 as it were).