It's a plurry cancer that is metastasizing IMO - ask the Qantas folk about American Airlines eliminating the Oz call centre and outsourcing to India. Bit in fairness, this is an issue affecting all FF / FG members in many cases - and IMO it was a predictable eventuality with H-USA buying the Hilton business back.

The only possible saving grace here is the proliferation of VoIP calling and the lower long distance calling rates to the USA, though it leaves one with the inconvenience of dealing with time zone differences. "Good day, and how is it for you to be doing today? My name is... Bruce!"