sometimes I highlight a surpressed opinion I hold that 99% of all business (airlines specially) are sheer fraud by nature! (in the way you describe in this post). A sucker is born every minute and THEY BANK ON IT!

Also, that which is considered legal or "clearly stated" is not always right. In fact, its all too often simply about power and money. That seems a bit juvenile and yet, we've all been on both sides of this at some degree or another. Good, fine, but dont tread on me! AND, when there is someone who figures out the catch, they (the businesses trying to dupe US) should honor the rules set forth. They do not. They just get changed to be even harder to crack.

Avoid schemes like this. Maybe it IS ok to fight fire with fire if you really feel you are getting screwed. I should hope not, but it sure seems to be the only way with airlines. hence, the people who sell mile awards on ebay are often my heros.