I dropped Prime a few years ago for all the reasons that have been hashed over many times. I've reduced my Amazon purchases drastically and not having Prime helps.
As far as the deliberate slow down is concerned, I'm positive that they are doing that because they tell me. About half my orders from them come 1 or 2 day shipping after a 5 day delay from the time I submit the order. I get an email telling me that the item has shipped and will arrive tomorrow or the next day. Then the transaction hits my credit card. It's super annoying and I'm sure they want it that way.
As far as the deliberate slow down is concerned, I'm positive that they are doing that because they tell me. About half my orders from them come 1 or 2 day shipping after a 5 day delay from the time I submit the order. I get an email telling me that the item has shipped and will arrive tomorrow or the next day. Then the transaction hits my credit card. It's super annoying and I'm sure they want it that way.