Now, I'm not an actual fan of Delta (despite being a long-ago employee, and relishing that huge $300 per month pension that I'm not counting on being there by the time I retire), but am a prisoner of their fortress hub in the Twin Cities. However, I will tell you that in exchange for putting up with their not always acting like an airline who's been in business for more than a couple of days, I do like that my Gold status gets me preferred seating, early boarding and about a 40% chance of getting an upgrade to the big chairs and free drinks.

I've had two particularly negative experiences with them since September, and in each case they responded by email within 12 hours with electronic credit vouchers. So, I know that you are a man who loves (and lives) his carefully-selected brand, and I greatly respect your loyalty…and know that it's good for us to agree to disagree. Except for drinks, and I think we both agree that I owe you at least one. Cheers!

For what it's worth, I don't think anyone should ever allow a 3rd party analysis to weigh too heavily in their decision making process. Their work should be considered directional at best, saving me time but never saving me from making a decision. The way I see it, I'm the only one that knows exactly what's needed to advise my clients. These 3rd party folks have no skin in the game I have to play every day.

Thats why our other discussion about the people behind campaigns need to be allowed to engage the audience more so we can truly find out the people truly delivering in this industry! Then the price and value is out there open and honest…isn't that we are shouting for!