Originally Posted by username

Asian airlines can still figure miles awarded as a cost and essentially award it as a benefit of higher fares. Even Air Canada does not award miles for the lowest fares. US airlines can't do it probably because of competition.

So, newer planes, better amenitites, better meals, better service (although at lower labor cost) - something is got to give, right?

The Chinese have a saying "The Wool Comes from the Sheep" - basically means the buyer wants more, then the buyer pays more.