I can tell you, from my perspective as a person who flies 95% of my miles out of my own pocket... the carrot at 50k (with partners) is hung at just about the right spot.

Its attainable... its a pricey hobby, but attainable. And the rewards of MVPG are good enough to keep me chasing it.

If they move that carrot further out where I can no longer afford it... I'd change my game up. Maybe change programs, maybe give up the game and just start buying cheapest fares with whatever airline.