To have a sensible discussion, it is important to have at least some idea what we are discussing.

As has been mentioned, the airlines, etc, write the rules and generally uphold them to the letter. I'd say any "loophole" is fair game, in the absence of any illegal, fraudulent, etc, behaviour.

After all, FT is often about loopholes of some sort. $30 trans-atlantic air fares. 0$ Hilton stays. Obtaining bonuses the airline didn't tell us about. Obtaining status in hotel schemes without any stays. Getting cheap Priceline stays and then getting upgrades with hotel status.