Assume that NWA Rule #2 (or - pick your carrier) will ALWAYS apply -- you know the one: "We'll do as we d*mn well please."
I'd suspect the 'expiration' is economics: the ongoing printing & postage of statements & advertising to inactive accounts has to be a killer. Electronic delivery may affect that.
All you can really do is keep up with the changes, and make whatever moves seem to protect your stash, at a price ($$, time or effort) you're willing to pay -- fly, buy, etc. -- no single best answer for everybody.
Does this mean my miles will disappear .. ??
DirtyHarry:
"Do ya feel lucky punk? Well? Do ya?
/.