I can’t add much more to what you’ve said arkyt.
However I want to say this.
If affiliates (that’s you and I) are to have any chance of survival then we all need to join forces.
In the past most affiliates wont do or say anything unless it was impacting on their income. However taking this type of stand, as we are seeing now, has empowered programs to steal from everyone.
I too used to think I could trust XYZ program and ABC affiliate manager but after being shafted more than once that illusion of this industry being all buddy buddy, vanished when I discovered someone I trusted has ripped me over $250K.
Knowing you’ve been scammed for that much cash ain’t a none too nice feeling!