Then how come I have never EVER been given the dates/times I have wanted for award flights? Last year to CPT (a busy route, I know) there were no economy award seats available to me for a week either side of my preferred dates. And during the discounted transatlantic upgrade promotion earlier this year the availability was erratic.

Tractor Boy makes a very good point. The policy is very confused. Some agents suggest they can "release" seats for you, others deny this, some others waitlist you for cabins which are clearly empty. What is the policy? I don't think even FD knows.

FD changes are a concern, but I would rather have a more competent, efficient program than a generous one which is a complete gamble.