devaluation is also a hidden way for UA to emphasize and reward high earning fares and passengers, in the absence of a fare-based mileage earning system (which people here would be in an uproar about, which is silly because a reduction in the earning of the lowest fares is the same as an inflation in the earning of the highest fares, called "framing" the argument in irrational consumer psychology and politics).

Consider the GS level as the best example -- this is clearly fare-based and gives benefits to them, that take priority over regular mile-earning elites. Also the fact that F/C/D/Y/B fares earn a 50% bonus, admittedly not the 300%/200% kind of amazing bonus you get on LH for example, but similar (and maybe justified given the level of product).