Something does not seem right with the analysis of MP redemptions in 2002. If the 7.8% (representing 4M miles) redeemed in 2002 is representative of the total number of MP miles outstanding in 2002 than that means there where only 51.4M total miles outstanding. With 40M members, that means the average balance would be just under 1.3 miles per member. Just doesn't seem right!
Pretty hard to redeem 1.3 miles for anything, not even a toaster!