My only point is that it is more difficult to maintain HON in the new program and on average you have to fly about 50% more.

IMHO that requires too many concessions for an airline that is not focused on passenger satisfaction enough.

I was a (Cessna-)HON myself and only joined when service was already in decline. I don’t think it’s any better today.

Lifetime SEN is a nice carrot to collect and can be your with just 7 years of HONdom.