I just came across the AA and US threads about those two airlines (and DL, and perhaps others) drastically TIGHTENING the requirements to gaining elite status. i.e., Only travelers flying Y/B or higher would earn Q-miles and Q-segments, leaving nearly all leisure traveleres - and a good portion of biz travelers - in the dust.

(Note: at the time I post this, only US has announced this change. US says that other majors are following, but so far the AA and DL part is rumor.)

I find this strange, as it is a move 100% in conflict with what this thread is all about. Why would the airlines aggressively comp and upgrade flyers to their status levels, and then shut out their own loyal flyers who actually give them a lot of business - albeit on restricted fares?

Only thing I can think of is that the majors have gotten together at the highest levels and laid out a vision that truly puts the "elite" back in elite status by 2004 or 2005, thereby rewarding the high-fare business traveler (who, honestly, is probably frustrated these days when his Monday morning and Friday afternoon flights are 75% Platinum).