I've been doing e-rewards for something like 15 years, I believe. I have to say that my experience overall with their customer service has been pretty good, especially when it comes to getting some points for surveys that end without any points earnings. That said, I've found that over the last 6-12 months, I'm seeing more lower value rewards, a dearth of the high-value diary-type rewards that last anywhere from 1 week to 1 month, and an increase in getting kicked out after completing most/all of a survey. Sometimes I complain, but if the survey was only worth a couple of bucks I may not bother.

All the above ties in to your earlier point about how you used to earn enough to cash in for a lot of monthly rewards, but that's become much more difficult. I find myself in the same boat. I've pared back my regular redemptions with Home Depot and Target, and now find that I'm focusing mostly on my core of United, Apple, Hilton and maybe Best Buy.

I'm wondering if the economic downturn has had an impact on these survey companies, i.e. have their clients become less willing to spend the money for e-rewards types of research, and in turn the rewards are fewer and of lesser value? Perhaps when we see stronger economic numbers (whenever that occurs) e-rewards and other companies of that ilk will ramp up their offerings? I hope so--I miss the good old redemption days!