My 2.5 centavos -

No one is happy to have award prices increase. And we know there will be creep from time to time. Given that is a fact of life, would we (1) rather have it this way, or (2) have it the way Starwood Preferred Guest had it a few months' back - massive devaluation without any real notice of where/what/how much?

I take one exception with the new AS structure - itineraries that cannot be booked online, but qualify for the basic saver award, should also qualify for an exception.

I'm the last one to be an apologist for bad policies at companies I like (or used to like - just look at people still making excuses for Diners Club), but really, AS gives you (still) the opportunity to fly BRW/MIA for 20K miles. Not only a deal, but a steal. Unfortunately, if you need to pick up the phone, SEA/SAN will now cost you 25K.