Ever since the merger was first discussed, I've been holding my breath regarding whether Starriott/Bonvoy would eliminate or change the Lurker program in some way. To me, it's appeared that Lurker powers to resolve problems were taken away and perhaps individual expressions of personality or differences of opinion were discouraged (or worse). It's a different corporate culture, although in some ways it can be better for the individuals involved if there's a sudden change (like the merger) versus a slow evolution of the corporate culture in distasteful ways in that it can become more clear more quickly that one should attempt to leave for a position elsewhere.

Given the timing, I wonder whether either William made a commitment to stay for a year after the merger or whether he set that as a goal for himself, to try the new water before making any decisions. I could imagine him coming to work to give the customary notice and being told to leave, with the Lurker account immediately changing to a new password so that he couldn't write his own farewell notice message to us. This would be expected if part of the notice was the intention to work for a competitor in a similar position, although I find it a bit surprising that there apparently wasn't a noncompete clause as some loyalty program staff seem to have.

BTW, in the other thread I wrote a post mentioning (and of course praising) William's commitment to FT above and beyond the Lurker job, especially in terms of his organizing an Austin BBQ DO (including hosting SPG Plats for breakfast at the Austin call center, where our special tour including a peek at William's workplace) and his service on Talk Board.

.....and a very bad thing for those of us who might want to continue staying with Marriott/Bonvoy. I've been in mourning since William's retirement from Starriott was announced here.