Originally Posted by Storizontal Habilizer

I don't mind the matching from GGL to Ultimate per se. I mean, if you are GGL, chances are that you are spending significant money with BA/Oneworld that could now flow into the AFKL bank accounts instead. But by doing the GGL-Ultimate match, you are giving away the exclusivity of the Ultimate status level, since the most people at this level have earned the status the hard way, through flying AFKL on expensive itineraries.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've never heard anybody successfully match their XX status to LH HON, for instance?

As I wrote on some thread before, FB should at least slap a challenge on this match and demand "6 long haul J flights within 6 months with AFKL" to extend the status further. That way AFKL can see which ones of the Scottish GGLs you referred to are actually willing to take the layovers in AMS/CDG on their travels.

The main issue with the Flying Blue status levels right now is the fact that it's currently way too easy to become just a Gold member in the Flying Blue program and thus gain access to the lounges, fast track etc. This has led to the lounges being overcrowded at AMS and CDG and thus a worser passenger experience for the actual frequent travellers. By diluting the highest/higher status levels with new members from other programs will only add to this problem, a trickle-down effect.