[QUOTE=eamus]Agreed that capacity control seems to be the key to making the FF program - any FF program - not just work but be profitable. In that regard, note that Southwest has just moved the goalposts on its Rapid Rewards program:QUOTE]

It may be one of the key drivers leading to profitability but it also the cheif motivator to deter all possible future seat revenue and partnership activity from this traveler.
Continental was the first airline I defected from back in the late 90s with a unusually stingy amount of seats being made available for award redemption.
It was the best thing that could happened as I sought out other opportunities and found the grass much greener elsewhere
It's a fine line they walk.Today I am clearly parked in programs that play fairly and have a track record for doing so.