Really, it's the fees when originating from Europe that get you since the OP's itin doesn't have a long-haul origination from LON.
Just for kicks I mocked up a similar itin as 3-one ways using British Airways Avios points:
LGW-NCE
NCE-LGW/LHR-ATL
ATL-LHR
118K Avios points in Business + $899.26
FlyingBlue would lose many participants if it charged fuel surcharges and DL didn't. Some of the big European FF programs have fuel surcharges on awards. Sorry, but get over it.