I don't see how it is any more "abusive" than any other change or cancellation penalties that exist on discount fares.

Is it "abusive" for BA to offer discount business class fares that permit no changes at all and non refundable or for AA to offer business class fares with a $350 change fee ?

These are just part of the fare rules which you enter in to when buying a ticket

If wanting a fully flexible fare with no penalties associated at all, then the airlines are happy to sell them, but don't see why there should be an expectation that an award ticket should have same flexibility as the most expensive tickets