The problem is that CO has dropped the price of FC tickets. IAH-SFO RT in A class is about $700+tax. Y is $600+tax. While cheapest coach fares have gone up - IAH-SFO is $330+tax.

Where as before prices may have varied from $200 to $1500, now the range is $350 to $700 (A class). I believe CO is competing more now with airlines like AirTran and USAir which offer FC at discounted prices.

As a Plat you should still be able to use your mileage for standard rewards - particularly select BF standard rewards in the "F" (formerly EG) category.

CO versus WN - of course no PC at BWI, but if you want full services like lounges and international flights - CO would still be my choice over WN. WN is appealing at BWI with all the non-stops.