This is very very true. I didn't say anything about the upcoming change in 2015 in my first two posts. Thank you both for pointing this out.
Right now, despite the recent devaluation earlier this year, UA's FF program is far superior to TG's, especially if you have a high status (ie 1K/GS). Those of you thinking of dropping ROP and moving to UA better think twice because of the new way of earning miles (spend vs. distance travel). The majority here are NOT high spenders and at most are at GOLD level - the RDM (redeemable miles) earn will be far less come March 2015.
The change will reward high spenders with high status. This change is also angering many many UA customers.
In conclusion, after March 2015 it will be HARDER to earn miles on UA (for low spenders), but still easier and cheaper to spend miles than ROP
R.I.P. ROP
Thank you very much for your kind information and analysis. Indeed, this change further angers a lot of UA customers, but after all it is business. A number of premier benefits have shrunk over the years, and I think it is due to the fact that UA currently has too many premier members that being 'premier' does not make you feel 'premier' anymore. UA lounges in the US are very crowed despite having barred Premier members flying economy from using. Also, I have witnessed a number of times that Zone 1 boarding (reserved for GS, 1K, First, and Platinum) usually has more people queing than other less privilege zones. Complimentary upgrade is also more difficult to get, as even though you are Gold there are a lot more Platinums ahead of you in the upgrade waitlist. And the list goes on.
Hence, I think UA has decided that it wants to reward their loyal customers who truly deserve the benefits - that is, those who pay them a lot.
For me, I would still stick with UA despite all changes in premier benefits. I fly a lot on non-UA metals (but still Star Alliance flights), so it will be unlikely that I will get any premier status on MP. But since my point of enroling in any FF program is to get free flights anyway, UA MP is still a better option than TG ROP. Premier benefits (e.g. Star Gold) for me are only good for getting more checked-bag weight allowance, as I would rather spend time outside lounges, print my own boarding pass and use far less crowded online check-in counter, and like to be flexible in choosing my airline of choice. I will of course miss my Premire Platinum status that will be expired next year, but hey all things in life do change. I just have to embrace whatever is available, adjust my traveling habit accordingly, and be happy for it.
Have a pleasant flight next time you fly!