Hello Mildred,
You say that 'this is a decision that has been carefully thought through' and that 'it is a decision that has had to be made'. But this STILL doesn't explain the rationale behind the decision!
Like many others, I understand that you are just the messenger, but none of your replies on this subject answer the question 'WHY' to anyone's satisfaction. Pease could you give more clarity on this issue, because without that, people will get increasingly upset. They NEED to understand why this decision has been made.
Meanwhile, you can add my name to the growing number of valued customers who feel an increasing sense of disquiet over this decision. I personally would not like to join a group of 35+ due to the issues already raised by another community member; porterage difficulties, time to get checked in at hotels, getting to know everybody, lack of space in hotel elevators, increased possibility of people not being in a particular place on time leading to possible amendments to the agreed tour itinerary, etc etc.
If (as you often like to point out) JY always listens to its customers, then I hope that the considerable number of negative responses you have received on this issue will lead to this decision being reversed forthwith.
Regards
Mike