Yes, those here with more than 15 years of regular flying, often 40 or 50 years of flying like me, fully realise this sad reality.
Flyer plans are not always sweetness and light. Many here do not yet accept this hard reality, as Velocity is often all they have known. .
I lost a million points
AND some award tickets on Ansett, and like you and others here, speak from bitter real life experience, to those who care to listen.
This is a Virgin Bulletin Board. <redacted> Some read these threads to learn from others, and some do not. Everyone makes their own calls on these issues.
Crystal clear warnings were made right here on this board over 2 weeks back, to strongly consider moving points to SQ, or buy $1000 David Jones gift cards etc. Many heeded the experienced wisdom of others - and many did not, thinking things would continue as always - all happiness and fun. Their call. But do not shoot the messengers.
in a year SQ are not going to honour any ticket booked with Virgin Miles, and once being a mid tier Virgin Elite will carry
ZERO weight with them. But those - and there seem to be many - who have that exact Cinderella dream that all will be fine forever, are entitled to hold it!
They are now down to Dyson heaters for 180,000 points, jackeroo boots for 115,000 points, toasters etc, and once a day $100 Gift cards for the Dollar Shop, or whatever merchant is still left, that accepts Virgin IOUs, with great trepidation.
Many of us are 10 year Platinums, reached there by
substantial spending with Virgin. In my case and partner entirely from my own pocket.
Virgin becoming Tiger (if it survives at all) hurts us more than many. We do
not have to be Virgin cheerleaders.