Report from a friend who attended MS meeting for Sagamore level players explaining new comp system to start in October.
There will be 4 levels with the top level labeled "soar" ($4,000+) every 6 mos. Supposedly the 2nd level $s threshold is going down. [There are 4 levels now, if you count Sachem and Sachem Elite separately.]
Depending on your level, you will receive special "comp points" monthly which can be spent for lounge access, hotel charges, entertainment tickets and other things (including off site events) that previously were discretionarily comped by hosts. These points would expire at the end of each month. Lounge access would be about $12 per person per each visit (actual pricing not yet determined).
Regular points would be about the same with existing points carried over. Still no points on VP, but comp points would apply and VP play would somehow be reflected in status level.
IMO, winners include players who did not visit the lounges much, and who had not requested discretionary comps from hosts. Other foods outlets may benefit from reduced lounge usage.
Losers include frequent lounge users, such as locals who visit often, but play less $s per visit. There will be much less need for host services, and perhaps less lounge personnel will be needed, thus I anticipate personnel layoffs.
The system seems to make sense, but certain problems could emerge. If there are fewer locals visits, the floor might seem even more deserted, discouraging play in general. Having an understandable, equitable system, may seem boring to players eventually.
The players attitudes at the meeting ranged from confusion to negative. Of course, "the devils in the details", so we shall see how the new system evaluates to us.
