I'm afraid that I don't have a lot of sympathy with
boslhrzrhpvg (welcome to FT by the way).
Anyone who invests heavily in any service provider without researching their loyalty scheme shouldn't be surprised if the outcome isn't exactly as expected. Every week we have (mainly) US based BAEC members posting the same issue - "Outrageous that I have to pay the taxes and fees!". I don't like it either, but I know that this is part of the deal, and am happy to pay $800 in taxes and fees for F tickets that would cost $10K if I were to use cash.
I, like others, plan ahead, am slightly flexible with dates, and destinations (eg SEA rather than YVR) and think I've got a pretty good deal over the years.
However, given the OP is a Gold Card Holder could they not avail of the
Priority Award?