Looks like the time of real benefits is over. Look at the devaluations to the mileage charts. The US airlines seem to almost constantly increase the number of miles necessary for an award ticket, often now differentiating between their own flights and other alliance members (see the latest moves of United). They also add a revenue component to reaching status.
Others like Lufthansa limit the miles earned on cheaper fares and partner airlines.
This is not a Lufthansa issue, it seems to happen across the board over many years. Looks like the airlines now believe they can sell more tickets, especially for premium cabins and be more profitable by straight out selling these seats instead of giving upgrades or award tickets away (or just getting the fees for these seats).
We should not complain, we should adjust. Our loyalty is worth less, so why not just use whatever airline has he best schedule and quality for the money they ask for?