I thought I would post a quick update following on from my contact with the new unified Customer Service Desk.
Yesterday I requested 2 weekend nights (as a redemption) at the Cavalileri in Rome. I had found myself before calling Customer Services that not unexpectedly there were no reward rooms showing as available, no paid bookings showing as available and the lowest DIA Force Revenue Rate Showing was in excess of €800++ per night.
I have just had my redemption request confirmed in < 24 hours. I am thus quite happy that the change has led to no real dilution in service levels so far.