Award tickets are not "free", but it would be preferable if BA, VS and other carriers which add a fuel surcharge would denominate the charge in miles, rather than money, because it would allow us to more readily compare programs. A trans-atlantic First ticket might require 160,000 miles rather than 150,000.
But this is all about generating profitability which goes into enhancing service.
Sure the fee could be dropped, but then initiatives such as the investment programme outlined above would have to be curtailed - and ultimately less investment leads to a cheapened product and devalues miles in the long run.
Sure, these are hefty charges, but frankly if one makes use of and appreciates all the perks on offer as part of a BA ticket, particularly when redeeming in premium cabins and using the lounges on departure and arrival for large snacks, complimentary champagne and massages, then the extra fuel charges become more understandable.
If however you view miles and air travel as a commodity which must be as inexpensive as possible, and do not appreciate the extras, then disappointment is understandable.