Although I understand (and agree with) the sentiment of the article, I hardly think this quote is valid. I wouldn't consider someone without 18 months of activity (let alone flight activity) on the FF account a "frequent flyer". I don't think it's the frequent flyers who should be furious - but the miles accumulators who occasionally accumulate miles (whether by flying, CCs, or other partners).

I think that the net-net of moves like this is really nil for most real FF. All it does for us is encorage consolidation of accounts to one per alliance, which we all should be doing anyhow. Who this really impacts are the in-frequent travellers and all it does is reduce the impact that a FF program can have on thier choice. BOO, bad call US Air (of course since the HP takeover that is all that they have had ;) )