Originally Posted by
EsherFlyer
Maybe the cost to BD of settling the direct redemption with the operating carriers works out better for them? Unless the underlying *A reimbursements map to the BD zones in a 1:1 way there must be some routes where BD gain or lose compared to other redemptions that work out the same for the BD member.
If I'm reading that correctly then I think you've got the wrong end of the stick. The original redemption was SNN-EWR and now it's LHR-EWR, with the OP having bought a cash ticket LON-SNN