This might be the best thing Delta could have done for me. Last weekend I did something I hadn't done in more than a decade, and voluntarily booked a flight on another carrier because it was cheaper and the schedule was better. That decision was driven partially by the feeling that my status on Delta really doesn't get me much of value anymore. It was fantastic. I saved $150 and about eight hours of travel time. With these changes, not only are the benefits of loyalty not really worth it, but status will be much harder to obtain. Now, since I have annual silver status (for now) with Delta as a MM and probably won't spend enough to make gold in a typical year, there's no reason for me to be blindly loyal to Delta. I can choose flights based on the best combination of fare and schedule. I'll have more money and more time. And maybe I'll use some of that money I save to buy up to a higher class of service when I want it, or occasionally pay for a checked bag. I'm sure I'll still fly Delta quite a bit. But only when they have the best combination of cost and schedule. Thanks Delta!