As a loyal KLM flyer I have come to view the increasingly shrinking benefits of the FD program to be a good motivater to change my airline allegiance.

Having maintained my Gold Elite status for over six years with pure personal travel, as I do not travel for Business purposes, I see any shrinkage as a direct assault on a product that I personally pay for.

For many Elite members who gain their Elite status due to Business travel, open tickets, full fare economy and the like, I would imagine that in many cases, their company pays for their Business travel, in turn, paying for their Elite status.

Living in Amsterdam makes KLM a logical choice, but recent expansions by american carriers (including Continental) are providing a more competative product with less "painfull" level miles earning restrictions.

I will just have to wait and see how the final FF program materializes before I make any more financial contributions tot he KLM fund.