I fail to see the difference between an International member flying AS and abiding by the rules of accrual and redemption and an American member doing the same thing.

I fly monthly between Australia and Washington State using Alaska feeder segments where possible. I think I am exactly the kind of member Alaska would want in their program.

This is my first year with AS and will make MVP Gold 75K next month. I have done this by changing my travel patterns to fly Qantas, Hainan and Fiji Airways and flying exclusively within the USA on Alaskan metal.

If I was based in Seattle flying to Australia monthly, how would that be different?

AS is interested in international members and American members both. Hence the current double miles promo on partner airlines internationally. I say this with good intent and no malice. It's a small world after all!