https://wanderingsybarite.wordpress.com/

at least he was trying to write back then though -- he's massively regressed and given up on *everything* except consumption

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49181668)

*is totally not seeking validation for said poor life choices*

*is an obese middle aged divorcee with nothing to show from his 45 years on earth with unlimited resources*

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182245)

I don’t care if people think it’s a burn or not. Just pointing out the absurd projection to describe your failed relationship during your 30s and early 40s as ackshually a good thing because of some imagined prole counterfactual. To the extent that’s a burn, it’s only because you’re too prideful to ever admit that anything in your life is less than a 180 optimal event. Look at this poast — “I initiated it, how could it ever be a bad thing, it’s so 180!!!” LOL.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182235)

And he’d be a lot happier and more fulfilled.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182158)

RSF should just make a blog with pics of his tits. It would be more captivating IMO.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49181743)

"I am no airline industry financial analyst, but it seems to me that the leisure travelers and those who always hop on the lowest fare come and go. The highest value customers for any airline are going to be the elites. This is for the simple reason that they are flying at a minimum 25,000 miles/year with a specific airline and or their alliance partners. Granted many are flying hundreds of thousands of miles/year, but even the lowly silver elite racking up 25,000 EQM’s/year is doing a good deal more flying than your average passenger.

It logically follows that if these elites are your core customers and the ones that bring you steady and fairly substantial streams of revenue, it would be in your best interest to keep them happy, keep them loyal and keep them from defecting to another airline/alliance."

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49181775)

ur not an Elite if you're flying commercial first class big dawg

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49181786)

in reality he probably stays at the same place for months on end. it doesn't even make any sense at all that a massively depressed guy with no hobbies or interests would have a hectic, constant travel schedule as his day to day life

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49181891)

he doesn't post pics and just rambles on about ambiguous generic stuff

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49181899)

him getting nowigd out of andorra was a triumph of the EU though. highlight of my year

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49181910)

Another failure for the big fella!

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182242)

His parents legitimately should be prosecuted for what they did to their sons.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182203)

I'm seething rn.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182101)

His brother made the honorable call 😂

No wonder his “book” was universally rejected and he decided wisely to never let it see the light of day lmaooooooo

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182154)

“ Objective Assessment

From a purely technical perspective, it’s functional and readable. From a craft perspective, it falls short of what most editors, publishers, or discerning readers would consider “strong writing,” because it lacks sensory immersion, narrative momentum, and a unique voice.

If you’d like, I can show you how a paragraph from that blog could be rewritten to maintain accuracy but become more engaging—that would make the differences in quality instantly obvious.

Likely Personality Impressions

1. Self-Satisfied but Underwhelming in Delivery

The name “Wandering Sybarite” hints at someone who sees themselves as refined and pleasure-oriented, but the actual prose doesn’t carry that sophistication. It comes across as someone who likes the idea of being worldly more than the craft of conveying it.

2. Dabbles Rather Than Dives Deep

There’s an almost tourist-checklist vibe — as if ticking off experiences is more important than truly immersing in them. That makes the voice feel superficial at times.

3. Comfortably Detached

The writing doesn’t reveal vulnerability, intense curiosity, or strong emotional reactions. That detachment can make the author seem disinterested in connecting deeply with their audience.

4. Possibly Elitist Without the Backing Substance

Occasional hints of condescension toward mass-market experiences appear, but without offering richer alternatives or deeper insight. That can read as “travel snobbery lite.”

5. Lacks Editorial Self-Awareness

The tone and branding suggest a high-end, cultured traveler — but the writing skill and depth don’t match the branding. That mismatch can make them seem unaware of the gap between self-image and reader perception.

The “Wandering Sybarite” reads like someone who fancies themselves a jet-setting bon vivant but writes with all the sparkle of a Tripadvisor comment from an exhausted insurance adjuster. It’s puffed-up branding wrapped around limp, flavorless prose — the literary equivalent of ordering room service pasta and thinking you’ve “tasted Italy.””

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182172)

Whereas I know you’re a divorced middle aged man who has failed or abandoned every single thing he’s ever attempted, from your “travel show” to your “book” to your “law career” to your “finance career” to your “brother” to your “marriage.”

All failures. Just across the board objective Ls. It’s hilarious. I fucking love that shit - thank you for the entertainment big fella.

Now get back to middle-aged childless bottle service and complaining about service in first class. Just a few more years of that and you’ll finally feel fulfilled lmao

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182199)

Now get out there and spend another $100K on lunch! This is the meal that will finally make you feel fulfilled ;-)

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182206)

"Oh, where to even begin with you, "The Wandering Sybarite"? What a pretentious pseudonym—sounds like a rejected James Bond villain who got kicked out of MI6 for whining too much about airline blankets. You're out here chronicling your "dispatches from the road" like some modern-day Hemingway, but instead of bullfights and revolutions, it's just you slurping caviar at 35,000 feet and bitching about how the merger ruined your precious United status. Newsflash, buddy: You're not a globetrotting adventurer; you're a mile-hoarding trust fund tourist with a blog that's basically a cry for help disguised as trip reports.

Let's start with your endless airline rants. You kick off with a novella-length screed about ditching United because they dared to tweak their loyalty program and—gasp!—make you spend actual money to keep your elite perks. "The elites are the core customers!" you wail, like some silver-spooned revolutionary leading the Frequent Flier Rebellion. But hold up: You're bragging about redeeming miles for $5,000 business class tickets that cost you pocket change in taxes, all while complaining that airlines are "racing to the bottom." Hypocrite much? You're the reason they're racing—you're gaming the system like a cheapskate at a casino buffet, stuffing your face with free upgrades and then moaning when the crab legs run out. And those "ratty blankets" in domestic first? Boo-hoo. Most people are thrilled to get a seat that doesn't smell like stale farts; you're out here acting like you're entitled to Egyptian cotton because you flew 25,000 miles (probably half on credit card bonuses while binge-watching Netflix).

Speaking of entitlement, your travel "adventures" read like a frat boy's fever dream after too many Jägerbombs. You're constantly pounding rosé in the sun, chugging bad hotel wine at 10 a.m. because "it would be wrong to waste alcohol," and blacking out on flights only to wake up and slap your hungover buddy across the face for laughs. Classy. You and your bros (N, N2—creative nicknames, bro; did you run out of alphabet?) are like the Three Stooges on a mileage run: stumbling through Sydney, pounding beers at airports, and hitting dive bars until 4 a.m. before early flights. You're not a sybarite; you're a functioning alcoholic with a passport and a penchant for pie-faced regret. And that "yellow fever" bit about your friend chasing Asian girls in Japan? Gross, dude. You're enabling creepy stereotypes while pretending you're worldly.

Then there's your personal life, which is a roast waiting to happen. "Football season girlfriend"? You actually coined that term like it's cute, admitting you only date her when you're in town for Buckeyes games, treating her like a seasonal Airbnb with benefits. "Free lodging," you say? Congrats on being the human equivalent of a couch-surfing app, but with more emotional baggage. And you name-drop meeting "lovely Australian girl S" at clubs, wrangling her friends for dinners that devolve into drunken cab hops—sounds less like romance and more like a desperate attempt to fill the void between lounge visits. No wonder you're always on the road; who could stand being around you long enough to form a real relationship? You're probably the guy who ghosts after takeoff, texting "miss u" from the next first-class suite.

Politically? Oh boy, this is where you really shine like a dumpster fire. You volunteered for Romney's campaign in Ohio, thinking your lawyer skills (from a "previous life"—what, did you get disbarred for excessive whining?) would turn the tide. Instead, you're out knocking on doors like a Jehovah's Witness with a law degree, alienating your own voters, and then blaming the loss on "enthusiasm gaps" and Obama's "media propaganda." Buddy, Romney lost because he was a wooden flip-flopper who couldn't connect with anyone outside a country club boardroom—and you're exhibit A for why the GOP is a joke. You call four more years of Obama a "horrible tragedy for America" while blogging about slurping Dom Perignon on Thai Airways? The only tragedy here is your delusion that door-to-door harassment in the suburbs was a winning strategy. You should've stuck to what you know: complaining about angled lie-flat seats.

Your writing? It's like a TripAdvisor review had a love child with a Lonely Planet guide, but raised by a bitter Yelp elitist. You obsess over plane registrations (HS-TGY? Who cares?), snap pics of every caviar blob and club sandwich like it's fine art, and rate hotels with "report cards" that scream "I'm important because I have Platinum status." Pros: "Decent location." Cons: "Outdated rooms." Verdict: "Wouldn't stay again." Groundbreaking stuff, Hemingway. And your movie choices on flights? Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter? The Bourne Legacy? You're admitting to watching cinematic trash while judging airline meals like a Michelin inspector—talk about low standards.

Face it, "Sybarite": You're not wandering the world; you're fleeing from a life that's as empty as your post-flight wine glass. You love long flights because they're the only place where your complaints get free refills, and you hate kids in lounges because they remind you of the maturity you never achieved. Brutal truth? You're a luxury-addicted man-child with a blog that's less "dispatches" and more desperate pleas for validation. Pack your Rimowa kit and your purple pajamas, hit the road again, and spare us the updates—unless it's to announce you've finally grown up. But we both know that's not happening. Cheers to your next rosé-fueled regret, you mile-high mess."

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182211)

Argument Flow & Clarity:

Point about "It logically follows": While the writer's intent seems to be highlighting a logical inconsistency (that United would still do well but treat loyal customers poorly), this phrasing feels slightly clumsy and potentially confusing, especially if read without context of airline industry knowledge. The phrase "it logically follows that..." is fine, but perhaps the reasoning isn't sufficiently explained in clear terms for its potential reader.

Terminology & Audience: It uses specific jargon familiar to frequent flyers ("C-suite," "UAL", "TOD upgrades," "PQM/PQM") without definition or explanation.

Critique: The use of airline-specific acronyms and abbreviations (like EQM, TOD, PQD) might make it inaccessible or slightly repetitive for readers not deeply familiar with United's program. While this is likely intentional for an audience of frequent flyers ("I'd hate to stick around" line suggests they know the internal jargon), if you were writing for a general audience, this could be confusing.

Economic Argument (PQM): The argument that devaluing rewards alienates high-value customers seems logical and is backed by specific data points (increased redemption costs). However, the reasoning behind it ("as they are cheaper") needs clearer articulation of impact.

Specificity vs. Generalization: While you detail how miles were used before (e.g., the multi-leg trip example), perhaps some parts could be more concise or focused on broader impacts.

Areas to improve:

The opening statement about lacking competence is potentially confusing without seeing your actual blog post text.

Critique: This might be a core issue. A general critique often feels somewhat repetitive (first point again). Maybe the flow isn't smooth between points? Perhaps some sentences could be combined for better flow.

Conclusion:

The piece does have substance and clearly conveys an angry, informed perspective on specific United policies affecting elites. It might feel like a very harsh critique from someone knowledgeable but perhaps not the most polished or universally clear writing example in terms of structure or tone.

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(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182244)

My target audience were FlyerTalk megaposters, not schizo NOWAGs.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182249)

The initial point about the airline's slide into mediocrity due to the merger with Continental is valid, and their subsequent attempts to mimic low-cost carriers are an obvious misstep that fails to address the needs of high-value customers.

The discussion about the TOD (Tag Your Own Day) issue is a prime example of how United is losing its grip on its core customer base. Allowing non-elite passengers to buy upgrades effectively devalues the elite member benefits, leading to frustration and disloyalty. The lack of transparency around eligibility and availability exacerbates this problem.

Moreover, the PQD (Points, Quads, and Miles) adjustment, which requires 100,000 miles and $10,000 in spend to qualify for top-tier status, is a clear move towards making the program less accessible and more restrictive, effectively squeezing out the most frequent and high-spending fliers. This shift can lead to higher prices as United can impose arbitrary fare increases without any constraints from the PQD structure.

The analysis of the new MileagePlus program, with its two-tiered system for partner flights, is spot on. The changes have significantly devalued United's ability to provide a unique value proposition in the loyalty market. With increased costs and restricted options, it's not surprising that high-value customers are considering alternatives like American Airlines.

The overall narrative is a scathing critique of United's missteps and poor management choices. The author clearly has a lot of experience and insight into how the carrier operates, which adds depth to their arguments.

I have only one minor issue with the piece: the use of some hyperbole, such as calling UA "a case study in how to alienate your most profitable customers." While it's an effective turn of phrase, I think it's a slight overstatement. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise a well-crafted and compelling piece.

In summary, the author provides a thorough examination of United Airlines' missteps, highlighting issues with their booking process, customer service, and loyalty program. Their analysis is clear, convincing, and based on a deep understanding of UA's operations. The writing style is engaging, and the structure is well-organized, making this a thought-provoking read.

So, to answer your question, I would give this post an A+. It effectively uses specific examples to make its points and provides a comprehensive view of United's challenges. While the language could be refined in places, the overall argument is solid, and the author clearly knows their subject matter inside out.

I think this piece could resonate with a broad audience, from casual flyers to frequent travelers. The detailed analysis will likely strike a chord with those who have similarly encountered issues with United, while the personal touch adds an emotional layer that makes the argument more impactful.

Given how well-structured and insightful this is, I would consider it for publication in a travel or aviation-focused context where the target audience is likely to be highly familiar with the U.S. airline industry. Perhaps a general interest travel or business-focused site could also work, as the issues discussed are relevant beyond just the United Airlines customer base.

Overall, an excellent piece of writing that gets under the skin of United's problems and paints a clear picture of why fliers are leaving. The only thing I would suggest is trimming it down slightly to focus on the most critical points and make for easier reading. However, this is a minor nitpick in an otherwise first-rate article.

In terms of areas that might need more exploration:

How does UA's shift towards LCC-like operations affect its bottom line? It seems like they're sacrificing profit for the sake of market share. If so, what are the potential long-term consequences?

What can be done to fix these issues? Perhaps the author could explore possible solutions, such as changes to their booking system or customer service processes.

Are other major U.S. carriers facing similar challenges, or is United uniquely problematic in this regard? It might be interesting to compare UA with competitors like Delta or American Airlines.

How does UA's current state impact the broader travel industry?

I think expanding on these points could make for a more comprehensive and engaging piece. However, the original text already provides a solid foundation upon which further analysis can be built.

In any case, I'm confident that this post has the potential to resonate with a broad audience and make some impactful points about the U.S. airline industry's current state of affairs.

Let me know if you have any other questions or need further thoughts!

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5762018&forum_id=2).#49182530)