American Airlines most loyal customers, their lifetime Gold and Platinum members stuck with the airline through the worst of times and near bankruptcy.  For several years now the airline has continued to dilute the value of lifetime status despite promises that lifetime status shall last "for the life of the program."  Today American announced a new elite status, "Platinum Pro."  This is placed above Platinum and greatly dilutes the value of lifetime status.  Of course it rewards those who spend more, certainly those spending corporate dollars, not from their own pockets.  This disrespects those who worked to earn lifetime status believing it would retain its value.  Among the changes announced today was that "Later in 2017, we’ll make changes to upgrade windows and prioritization. Upgrade priority will be based on a 12-month rolling EQD total, sorted by elite status level."  This makes it even more clear that the value of lifetime status will continue to decrease. American should show respect for its most loyal customers and grandfather its lifetime Platinum Members into this new category or make other changes that ensure our status is not diluted.