Back on April 26, B1 reported that "the agent said it was a disaster for Amex - timing couldn't have been worse."
In fact I think the timing couldn't have been better. It would have been much worse for Amex if it had happened on May 2, right after most members cleaned out their MR accounts into CP at the old redemption fee (0) and the old minimum (5000).
Best for them would have been to continue the program at a cost favourable to themselves. But if the relationship had to end, better to end right before massive transfers, rather than right after. Shurely a coincidence!
andrew