AirTran punishing loyal frequent fliers by downgrading programs

So I just found out that Airtran has "improved" my 3 year standing as and Airtran A+ Elite frequent flier by removing the opportunity to buy or use points to upgrade from coach to business class 24 to 48 hours before my flights...it's now 40 MINUTES before a flight based on when I check in.  Very very smart.  They also raised the A+ Elite advance-purchase coach ticket prices to higher than full-fare business class.  Oh, that should improve sales.  ;-) 

A very sharp ticket agent just told me in person, "it's so they can try to SELL more business class seats before a flight, instead of give them away"  Thank you so very much Airtran for all my dollars and miles and support of your airline over the years, and thank you so much to Southworst for buying them and degrading or downgrading or removing every advantage to being a member of their previously good frequent flier program.  They've certainly lowered themselves to match or be worst than almost any other airline out there.

I am NOT cattle, and do NOT like flying Southworst unless it's the only cheapset option on a short flight to where I'm going, so when they put the final nail in the coffin of Airtran some time next year and convert everything to Southworst, there will defintiely be one less loyal customer in their frequent flier program.