The change sucks and it's a nerf undoubtedly, but did anyone really think that this card was going to be this powerful for its AF forever? With the $300 portal credit each year and the 10,000 points worth $100 each year on anniversary it was a net -$5AF without considering the lounge access at all. Then it was unlimited priority pass with unlimited guests on top of that, plus other benefits (at one point Hertz President's Circle for free). The value prop was insane, because that's what it took for Cap1 to break into the premium travel card market, to get people to pay attention, and apply.

Now that the card has been out for a few years it was only natural that Cap1 was going to nerf the card.

I agree going from unlimited guests on PP to zero (not even one) is a big nerf, and for some, it will change the value calculus of keeping or dumping the card, but at least C1 isn't going full coupon book like the Amex plat (or the rumored changes/increased AF on the CSR...)