It's better because I'm no longer a slave to their products. I don't have to wait for sales on their products so I get my codes at a decent price. I don't have to forgo buying other items I need because I needed to stock up on the week their items are on sale. My budget is easier to manage because I buy what I want when I want. Recycling is so much easier because I don't have to rinse out all those bottles, I just leave the cap on! That saves me time and money on water too. I also save A LOT of time not saving & sorting caps, cutting boxes & plastic and the tedious job of trying to read and enter all those damn codes. I save even more money not having to print out gift certificates. It's also nice that I don't feel compelled to rummage through recycling bins or pick bottles up off the ground anymore LOL! When I look at all the savings in time and money I feel it more than makes up for the gift 'cards' I earned. I've also found it easier and more rewarding to get rewards from Walmart, Target and my local grocer (Publix). While I still enjoy the occasional cola, I'm glad I only drink a fraction of what I used to and that I'm not supporting a company that blatantly lies to it's loyal customers and clearly demonstrates it has ZERO regard for that loyalty. When I consider all the benefits of not having to participate in the new program there'e only one conclusion I reach, for me it is indeed better!