They did! I was probably one of those folks who would make 10 purchases of plain coffee, and use the free drink for more expensive Frappuccino’s. Honestly since they switched to a spend based program, I’ve felt very little incentive to engage with their rewards program. (Though if I get some incidental extra stars and points due to the new DL partnership, I won’t turn it down!)
I was the same way, I would get 10 teas or iced coffees and then use the free one for an expensive frapacinno off the secret menu.
What I really miss are the gold benefits. I prefer soy milk and could get that for no upcharge in my iced coffee (and IIRC also vanilla syrup). I also remember they had a discount on refills for iced coffee.
I rarely go to Starbucks anymore anyway since there are some good local independent coffee houses by me. I did stop by there this morning for a scone just to use some stars before they become devalued and got my lattee at the local coffee house in my office building