As for requiring one’s tier to be current for certain comps, e.g. meal or comped room, this is a reasonable business model. Imagine how many people would attain a tier level, enjoy the comps that come with it for that year, then not play enough (or at all) to maintain that tier yet attempt to redeem the comp they hadn’t earned in following years.

I have held onto past tier cards, since expired ones can still be used for machine or table play, but found myself presenting an expired card for a comp even though I had a card with current date someplace in my purse–had to dig for it while people behind me waited, etc. (Plus those cards make good ice scrappers in the winter.) Now I get rid of expired cards (or only keep one in my car, LOL.) It isn’t that difficult to get new cards if I don’t already have one.

The Palms changes don’t bother me one way or the other since their VP is now crapola anyway–and the few machines that existed in the past with positive paytables earned NO points. I like the buffet. I visit the buffet. I eat at the buffet. Then I leave.

South Point is one of the few places left that gives people a fighting chance. Their promos have always been among the best in town–now, they’re pretty much the ONLY ones in town! Their buffet is excellent (much better since the remodel), and so are their other restaurants, like Primarily Prime Rib and Zenshin. Plus, they have the most generous players’ club in town at 0.3%. Pretty much the only place where you can still go +EV on dozens of machines. And room comps are easy to get if you play a decent amount. Also, they frequently effectively double their points with month-long deals such as the gas card and WalMart card promos. No doubt, this place will go down the tubes sooner or later, but for now, it’s one of the last bastions of good VP play.

One benefit of everything going to hell with the locals’ players clubs is that you no longer have to run all over town to get the deals–there aren’t any!!!

G’luck all,
Gamb00ler