Whilst I'm sure many (if not most) contributors to this site are FGW^▸ (First Great Western) commuters, my profile is somewhat different.

I  (up until now) have been an FGW traveller 2 - 3 times per month, travelling from Essex to South Devon (where we have a second home) - always off peak, booked as far in advance as I am able. Historically I would monitor the website, booking as soon as Advance Fares are released. This journey I have made for the last 9 years (sometimes alone, other times with my wife and other family members).

We have gradually seen a reduction in the availability of Advance Fares, which generally we have been able to be more flexible to still utilise.

However, recently, this has now changed totally, and the previous cheapest Advance Fares (once widely available so long as one books minimum 2 months in advance) have been totally withdrawn. The Advance ticket that previously cost ^15.50, has now almost tripled, and in some cases almost quadrupled. The website still shows in the price range (albeit now ^16.00), but has not been available for a few months.   

This has been so for a while now (couple of months). The net result of this is that (if both myself and my wife) are travelling we will now drive (a fraction of the cost), and if just me, I will use National Express (again, by utilising funfares for the London to Exeter element a fraction of the cost). Since the last reasonably priced tickets will shortly be utilised, I have already pre-booked NX tickets for February......

Absolutely ludicrous. Good job FGW - now you will have extra empty seats.......