Well, I for one am a one-airline 'dillo.
The main thing a comp through 2002 would do for me would be to keep me from jumping ship
to a competitor. I don't fly enough to gain
status on multiple airlines, but I do look at
my Premier status as more a survival strategy
than a luxury or perk.
UA has always treated me well and I will admit to being comfortably spoiled.
As to whether or not this will swell the elite ranks on various airlines, I find myself coming more to the side of those who
say that it may very well increase the overall population of elite flyers, but those same membership cards might end up gathering more dust than use.
JD