While it makes sense that the Diners MC can not yield miles in another program, what annoys me much more is that Diners MC cannot yield Club Rewards POINTS (which can of course be turned into miles) rather than just savings.

Many of us chose Diners Club because of the great earnings and flexibility of points, why do they think we only want cashback (rather than the option of even more points) when dining?

Not only is cashback not points, it means you earn even less points (because you don't earn points on the part of the restaurant spending you got the cash back for).

Anyone tried talking to Diners Club about this (with someone high up enough to be able to give anything but a pre-written answer)?