The whole system was and in some cases still is broken. A3 is very generous in many cases while other airlines have moved to spend based when it comes to collect avios/miles. I remember flying with TAP to Sao Paulo for as little as 1.5k and getting back around 25k miles cause in J is 200%. I did a similar trip with KLM and got back something silly like 7k.

As i said i totally understand why people are angry and bitter. I am not happy either as i might have to plan my trips better now but i was expecting it. I have been gold for about 17 years. People are spending an arm and a leg with other airlines to keep their status ( or their companies too) and most of us in this forum will rock up in LH senator lounge with our 500 euros per year membership

Just another quick example. Flown last year a few times with COPA. If i had to pay for the luggage alone that would be 65 euros per flight then i got the emergency exit for free ( not a star alliance gold benefit but if you ask during check in they will probably give it to you, same with other airlines). So about 200 euros saved for a return flight. A3 was so generous that in some cases people actually made a profit by using their status. Insane.