As a "Westie" CP, I've been upgraded 100% of the time this year, even on very popular business routes & flights that were previously very hit-and-miss. It doesn't always happen at the 7-day window, but typically occurs before the Platinum window opens. I'm finding the automatic upgrade system is working better than ever.

While my YTD PQM mileage is quite high, making me high on the list of CP's for upgrade, when looking at the seat maps after I'm upgraded, I'm frequently the only person who has been upgraded. I think the high level elite ranks have thinned out dramatically, unless the system isn't working for a large percentage of elite passengers.

As for in-flight service, I haven't noticed much difference. Typically, FA's are very pleasant and helpful. You always have the extremes on occasion, but, as a rule, they're very solid. I've not seen any infiltration of the negative/cynical/disenfranchised attitude I've found so prevalent in the East (particularly in Envoy to Europe ).

As for aircraft interiors, HP has always done a reasonably good job of keeping aircraft in decent shape and I don't see a change in this area. I've been on several of the older East aircraft and I know what you mean about their condition -- truly appalling. I've never seen anything like that on West aircraft, even the oldest of them.

Edited to add:

As the largest percentage of my travel is still in the West, it's a good thing that my day-to-day experience hasn't changed to a large extent. Given my experiences in the East, and in dealing with DM and website issues, all of which are so consistently poor, I'd be a former US customer at this point, even if it meant flying WN. I don't know how many of you have been able to stick it out for so long, I really don't.