Once again, I don't like this any more than the next person, but I think that many, perhaps most, of us, are forgetting that, at worst, this change will result in a maximum of a $ 5.42 loss in rewards per month. The breakdown is: $ 50.00 less per year in loyalty, and $ 1.25 less per month ($ 15.00 plan) for the AutoPay replacement (5% off). If your plan is more expensive, the AutoPay loss will be less. Referrals remain the same, and Community contributions are an individual thing, as to whether they are worth pursuing.
After some calculating, I could save $ 127.00 in the first year by switching to Fizz. Six months at half-price during Beta testing for a $ 34.00 plan ($ 102.00 saved), and $ 25.00 for a referral reward. After the first year, no monetary rewards until I've paid at least $ 900.00, which will take about 27 months, then it's a buck off per month. If I stay with PM at $ 34.00/month, I will get $ 10.00 loyalty, $ 20.40 for the 5% back, and $ 96.00 for eight referrals. That's $ 126.40 over a year. 60¢ difference - a nickel a month. PLUS, if everything remains the same, I get $ 126.40 off every year following. Please remember that, if you leave, you'll have to start again, and don't assume that you're going to make it up in referrals immediately. That MAY happen.
I will see what it's like when the dust settles in May, but, at the moment, it's not worth switching to Fizz right now, which appears to be the best deal currently, at least to me. My wife would save about $ 85.00 the first year by switching, as she has only one referral with PM, but, savings would dwindle after year three. I don't know how far I should look down the road, so...
