I would suggest trying another airline alliance and seeing if this gives any better benefits. Inasmuch as this it not likely to change in the near future, b!tching about it won't make the situation any different. You should let your money do the talking and go elsewhere. If you stay, you have little choice but to accept this.
I'm going to Italy in a few days. The LHR-FCO/VCE-LGW parts are on AB. i could have gotten mininal miles, paid for for business, or just gotten this last part as an award, and accepted the realities. I chose to do the latter.
Cheers.