I do seriously doubt we will here pikerr ever again.

Now you can either do what you are doing and blast SQ for their apparent lack of customer service, or learn a bit about airlines.

Many have "non-refundable" fares, which basically mean unless someone dies, you won't get any money back, or be able to use again. These are usually the cheapest. Some other airlines do have a different policy where if you can't travel, they will charge a change fee (which may be quite large) so you can either rebook on different dates, or hold in credit until you decide when to travel.

So next time, either pay more to book a fare that is more flexible, or book with an airline that will allow changes or credit on non-refundable fares rather than just losing that fare.

I do agree that SQ are quite lousy on their non-refundable fares. It really is use it or lose it, I don't think the concept of a credit shell is something that is in the SQ jargon (!). But as I mentioned it is "BUYER BEWARE".

For example we just moved a SIN-MEL return on QF, Original Fare $550, Change Fee $100 SGD. Brilliant

ON SQ:
Sale Fare: ~ 850. No change No refund. Lousy.
Next Fare: ~ $950. Change fee $100 USD.