Collecting change fees is an easy revenue stream for SAS that requires almost no effort on their part. So that's one heck of a drug for them to ween themselves off of. If they did US style changes, where would they make up the shortfall? Anko isn't giving up a free source of money without getting something that generates the same or higher return for the same or less effort.

FWIW I also think they should issue travel vouchers for unused travel instead of keeping people's money for the most restrictive tickets. Sure it's some more accounting work, but they'd build more loyalty and future sales.