Honestly, if it's an MRTC narrowbody aircraft, I'd probably be picky too - preferring the 25K award over a 45K F award - even if I had millions to burn.
If the guy is retired after decades of heavy business travel, and is now looking forward to years of int'l F tickets for he and his family, it makes perfect sense for him to be frugal with his miles! Even 15 mil won't last forever...