Jexjex
Their reason for the change is not too convincing. I've been on many NW transatlantic flights and WBC was pretty empty. They had other options. They could have capacity controlled it, like they do domestic FC. They could have restricted it so that it was only available in the low season. They could have made it avaiable only thru certificates and provide each elite member with a number of certificates based on status. Why do it now, as the low season approaches and there are plenty of winter seats available in WBC? There are many possibilites for handling the problem if there is one. It doesen't appear that anyone thought this through. The only rational reason I can come up with is that they decided to align their program with CO's. Is so doing, they will take away one of the few unique benefits that the World Perks prorgam provides.
If enough people complain, perhaps we have achance of getting this change put on hold, hopefully indefinitely.