We have seen some move towards the Delta style system of offering more "cheaper" premium fares to induce us to purchase up as much as upgrade.
I think of what I call the recent "stealth" domestic J sale (not advertised, but some good rates) and some other moves to lower, at least in some markets, some premium fares (I'm being selective here before someone pulls up an outrageous example to counter this comment
).
Basically what DL has found/done is that if they sell (dom) F fares at a lower price they will still get decent yield and get pax paying up to sit there rather than do the lottery as suddenly it becomes a value proposition for them vs ridiculous. Sure, DL in the US is *FAR* different to QF here - obviously - but it wouldn't surprise me if we see a bit more price cutting, or more frequent sale fares on some routes, in premium cabins. They may be gambling on that sweet spot where supply meets demand at the right price where that gamble on the lottery isn't worth it. I recall reading a report that DL has now a much higher % of paid F seats vs upgrades due to this strategy. Of course this is hardly mew given many of us have taken advantage of the AA YUPP fares for awhile (and UA has had similar)
It could even be time for QF to try something like that here - I suspect it would be quite popular.
As for the reaction in the thread - I think most of us are not really surprised. Annoyed yes.. disappointed yes... but it's not a massive shock.