The miles game in the US (not even talking manufactured spending yet, just huge sign up bonus for lowish spend targets, churning cards, and all that) is a big driver for the need to adjust award redemption rates upwards and have access awards and such. The inflation is a given.

The F / Suites pool (of seats) is also shrinking and then "anyone and their grandmother" is looking for a second big payday when expecting to redeem F / Suites for saver awards or maybe advantage if one twists the arm.

Don't get me wrong, I also don't like Access awards and find even J Advantage availability seems to be taking a hit for non L/T/QPP folks, but we are all chasing the same thing that comes with a finite supply and eventually something has to give.