I think that this is faulty logic, but that opinion is coming from somebody who earns 99% of his miles through affinity programs rather than flight miles. Seems to me that the airlines must be making a significant profit on affinity/partner program miles, as those earning opportunities continue to grow. If that is the case, then why can't I direct all of my miles, affinity or otherwise, to my airline od choice and then employ the "PremEx method" - - "Hey, cut me some slack here, I'm a loyal customer, just look at all of these miles that I've earned through X, Y and Z. I give all of my business to your airline or your partners."

[This message has been edited by cactuspete (edited 11-14-2002).]