As a barely 35k member who is 6'1" tall, I also don't like this change. I would much rather have a 50% discount and be sure of my seat when I book than get it for free but have to race to check in exactly 24 hours in advance.

I started buying flex fares when I got 25k status, because then I could get the flexibility and not feel like I was breaking the bank to get a seat. (Plus more SQM 😀 ). Now I feel like I might just go back to buying standard unless I think I'll actually need flexibility.