The programs didn't dry up because of gamers, churners, mileage runners, etc.; there were never enough of them to matter. They turned to dust because there are only three network carriers left in the US, so less competition, fewer options, less of a role for loyalty. When AA invented the modern FF program in the early '80s it was competing against PA, TW, BN, WA, US, CO, UA, DL, EA, PE, and I don't know who else -- all robust network carriers. Today AA competes with UA, DL, and Southwest. There's no need to reward customers for their business when they have no choice but to keep giving it to you.