I think a lot of F9 flyers are willing to take risks with F9 flights because they can be so cheap. High risk but high reward. If they are flexible with travel dates then maybe they will make it work with whatever F9 flies and think they can get more than $499 value with 1 year of flights. I have resisted buying it @ $499 but it is tempting. I hold off because i have never spent that much on F9 tickets in any 12 month period. But sometimes a last minute RT ticket can costs over $499. In the big scheme of things $499 isn't a crazy amount of money, especially if you travel regularly. Risk can be managed by booking backup flights on other carriers. That kinda defeats the benefit but is better than being stuck somewhere or having to buy an expensive last minute ticket. Adds more effort but is manageable for some. I am more worried about how to burn all my F9 miles before they devalue or F9 goes Chap 11.