As we reported last week, PokerStars reversed the recent rake increase. Stevan "random_chu" Chew, Daniel "Pl@yerABC" Sklar, and Andy "mightmad" Lee, three regs that our readers will recognize for their ever-readiness to answer our questions, share their thoughts:

Although I'd like to think it had something to do with the strike, I think it's more to do with them analysing the data and realising they've made an error.
In terms of trust, I personally don't have any trust issues with them - I mean, they're a business, and they're going to do what's best for their business. Although I think their rake increase was extremely short sighted, and a PR nightmare in terms of the backflip, I don't necessarily think they're out to get us.

Stevan "random_chu" Chew

Canceling decisions that don't bring desired results is logical, but not an easy thing to do. In personal life or business life sometimes we need to reconsider our previous decisions. It's great to hear that Amaya company is willing to make changes based on facts, data and customer's feedback. I will continue to play on PokerStars and as a player and a customer I hope they will continue to make good decisions in the future!

Daniel "Pl@yerABC" Sklar

Charles Hawk: How do you feel about the rake decrease?

Andy "mightmad" Lee: I'm so happy about that. That was really surprising. Out of nowhere.

CH: Why do you think Amaya decided to do so?

AL: Uhmm, it's interesting. Obviously none of us have any inside information but my guess would roughly be about improving their image. Sure, they were taking a lot of actions to maximise their profit, for which I don't blame them, but they could have got a lot of complaints from the regs and decided it's best for the interest of both parties to rever it back. If that's not the case, then it could be relating to a decrease in the amount of rake generated from the increase of rake.

CH: WIll you trust the new owners more after this?

AL: If their action to reduce rake was decided to improve their relationship with the regulars, then definittely, yeah, they get my vote, but if it's for another financial reason, then my feelings stand neutral about them.

CH: Are you more psotivie now that they will not cut rake back too drastically in next year's VIP program?

AL: They have already announced taking off WCOOP seat for SNE players. In addition, UK and other countries have been hit with the gambling tax. We are now effectively receiving 5 VPP per $1 rake generated instead of 5.5 VPP / $1. In regards to 2016, they have announced a further decrease. I hope and I predict it won't be that bad.

Updated 17 Jan: Only random_chu's and Pl@yerABC's comments were available originally. mightmad's thoughts were added later.