IF I were a travel exec (thank goodness I am not), I would explore mutually beneficial options to all in the industry. As Sapman points out, people flying means people in hotels, restaurants, etc. For example, perhaps a deal like, Book x nights at xyz hotel and get a ff tix for 1/2 normal miles. I'll bet the airlines would "sell" the hotel the miles to make up the "free" 1/2 pretty cheap over the next few mos. to fill seats which would remain empty anyway. As Avgas and Randy point out this reduces future ff liability, as well as get people traveling again.

P.S. My e-mail addy is in my profile to mail the royalty check for the idea..lol