I am afraid what you are talking about has bugger all to do with the EC and loyalty and there is no way they are going to offer you a cheaper fare to keep you loyal.

You have just come across standard ticket rules that all airlines have in some form. What you may save on this trip by going VS may cost you much later by sticking with them to China. What are you going to say then? Should VS drop there more expensive fare (if it is) to keep you loyal to them.
The vast majority of airlines have advanced purchase restrictions dependant on the market and in the UK 14 and even 21 days can be the norm. In the US it is 7, try looking ex euro.
The airline has figured out that they can earn far more from charging more for last minute business trips in the last X days and it is as simple as that.
It isn’t bull as you describe it is common practise on every airline, why do you think they have many different booking classes within the same cabin? No way are they going to sell every seat at the lowest cost, not even Ryanair do that.