Since AS has presented us with a classic “trolley problem” of choosing miles, spend, or segments, may I suggest we start posting the rules/formulas that we think apply to this calculation (eg, elite bonuses)? I am sure I am not the only one in this crowd who needs to spend half a day with a spreadsheet comparing how these choices match my travel patterns over the last year.

As a 100k/grandfathered Titanium who used to earn 75k on AS miles, partner miles, AND segments, it all seems needlessly complex. The same corporate travel platform that will throttle my spend will also send me on a $650 PDX-SEA 130 mile trip. A 500 mile segment seems like a minimum dignity when status requires tens of thousands of miles, and when short tickets are usually more expensive. On the other hand, I returned from East Africa yesterday and got about 50% of air mileage across two OW airline partners. Put a gun to my head and I still have no idea how to choose an informed “stance” or whatever it’s called. Thanks.