Babaleka If I may, a personal view:
Why is it that membership levels were set to zero at the end of last year? I went from Silver to Bronze overnight and in doing so lost access to the Business Class lounges.It is going to take me the best part of six months to get back up to Silver Class level.
Exactly! Then you won't make it to Gold in a single year, unless you are a VERY good customer. Separates the wheat from the chaff, dontcha' know.
I am told that air miles cannot be used to upgrade if the flight was booked via a travel agency. How do BA justify that ? As most of my flights are on business they are booked via a (company) appointed travel agency as I imagine is the case with other similar travellers.
Exactly! Then you won't be able to use all of your redemption miles and it's YOUR fault that you could not. But, as long as you can't spend them, we don't have to have to give you anything.
Simples!
By the way, I do agree about the BA Cabin Crew and Flight Crew. It's a shame about their mgmt.