Originally Posted by bdschobel
I hope you realize that you are arguing in favor of a system that tends to trap people in their current programs. Maybe you like that, but I certainly don't.
Elite status matches allow for movement, which generally serves the customers -- people like us -- more than the companies offering these programs. For every person who gets a match into your program (thereby diluting your benefits, in your view), there is likely somebody else who is able to leave for another program (thereby offsetting the dilution).
I continue to believe that carefully granted status matches serve everybody's interests and should continue. I have no doubt that they will!
Bruce
I disagree.
No one is "trapped" in any program. One makes a free decision whether the current program meets his/her needs. Granted, one gives up some benefits if one changes, until elite status is earned but that can be done relatively easily by very frequent travelers.
Also, FF programs are not perfect markets nor are they zero-sum games. The larger providers and the more lucrative programs will always attract new members more easily.
Since many of us had to "earn" our original status, we are not too excited to see newbies easily granted mid- or upper-level status by challenges or matches. Such schemes are not in
my interest. It makes sense to allow expedited access to first tier elite. Above that, it should be earned. YMMV.