While I agree with you to a CERTAIN extent about the inflation here I also beg to differ though because bear in mind the LH tacks on HUGE taxes and fees to flights none of the other programes have..... effectively there are the inflation related increases.
As to not having too many miles while that is legitimate suggestion but imagine if every M&M holder with 100.000 miles in their accounts would want to purchase a single flight within that given 4 month period - it simply wouldn't be possible since there are not that many flights go around at least not award flights. Oh sure there are other ways to spend them but why should I have to - that is after all the reason for the collection of AIRLINE miles!