Yep, I agree with all of that.
It is only human nature to want to oblige a friend/relative but now the club have removed that obligation from the high points card holder. Anyone who is not simply a points whore should applaud the club for helping them to avoid being put in a difficult position. So from now on its "sorry mate I would love to get you a ticket but its just not possible" problem solved...............unless you just are a points whore.
I, like you, earned my points in the dark days and don't have problems getting a ticket but my son who is in the 13,000 to 14,000 bracket would not have got a ticket today without this new system. I got one on Tuesday in the knowledge that he might not get one and that I would have wasted money on flights/accommodation etc but that would have been my problem and it would have been harsh but fair.
I genuinely respect Eds's willingness to look after a mate but rules are rules. The system might not be great or suit everyone but it just got a whole lot better!