Part of the problem is that people have been abusing the system which leaves airlines less likely to grant exceptions for divorces (another thread), family emergencies, medical conditions,etc.
Historically, neither AA nor Delta has been willing to do anything for deployed FFP elites. For example, I know from my own experiences as well as from friends, that 9 to 18 month tours in Iraq and Afghanistan tend to reduce your EQD and EQM. That can't be scammed but neither Delta nor American will do anything about it. In contrast, Marriott and Hilton will hold status.