i noticed in my most recent statement that OP is about to announce a change to the segement or miles threshold for elite status. instead of counting segements towards elite status, it appears they are going to start issuing "elite points" in addition to the miles. anybody know what this is?

we all know the airlines are currently crying the blues about the fact that fewer full coach passengers are flying right now. my hunch is that you will get points based on the fare flown on. for example CLE-EWR on a Q fare will only get 1 point, but the poor sucker who had to buy a full Y will get more. could this be the first attempt to make elite status harder to obtain?

yes it's all spec at this point, but it was mentioned in the elite (silver again this year, but will be gold soon) statement i received in the mail yesterday.