Sapman,

It is just not just Distancia or GP that changes the rules or the awards without notice. Almost all of them do it. I would point out to you Hilton one of the most distinguished hotel programs did something very similar just a couple of years ago. Hilton had an award: for 400,000 Hilton points (at the time 200,000 LP Miles) you could get two airline tickets anywhere in the world on about twenty different airlines and six nights stay at any Hilton resort. My wife and I had made many transfers from our LP account to Hilton and had saved for these awards. On December 19th I learned by reading the Hilton board that they were discontinuing the award effective January 1st. Hilton gave no notice, nor no apology for the action. Fortunately because I read these boards I was able to have them issue two of the awards before the end of December. They also changed the terms of many of the most frequently used awards to cost as much as 75% more. I was a Diamond member spent an average of 100 nights a year in Hiltons and they did not bother to inform me or anyone else. I also had a very similar problem although not as drastic with Marriott a few years before that.

I agree with you that FF programs should not act in this manner but unfortunately most of them do. I was mad when GP changed its terms as you were but I have learned from several programs: the longer you wait to use miles the less value they have.

You all can choose to remember what you want about GP but this is what I choose to remember.

The Latin Pass run: I did it with my wife and two kids: went from June 5th to June 29th traveled thru Central and South America and we all had a great time (still talk about it when we all get together). Cost about $5,000 plus travel expenses: received 2,000,000 miles.

An African Safari with my wife: Hilton points (GP Transfer) and two Business class tickets from LA to Kenya on KLM.

Two Business Class tickets on TWA to Cairo and the kids went in coach to see some of the great wonders of the World.

Two Coach class tickets to Rome for my wife and I on US Air, and six nights at one of the greatest hotels in the world from Hilton.

Four tickets to Australia (Marriott Transfer) I think my wife and I had to add some miles so our tickets could be upgraded to Business. Kids went in coach. Received two seven night stays in Marriott hotels as part of this transfer as well. Used one in Sydney and actually used the other in New York City.

A trip to South Africa with the kids, Hilton transfer, but paid for the Safari.

Several trips to Central America (some great memories)

Still have a couple trips to come

You can remember what you wish, I am grateful for what I received, and GP if you read some of us really do remember you fondly.