I'm the OP and you have it right. Even the proposal for "reducing" the FF mile costs for the weekend "bargain" e-fares has something to be said for it, a way for the airlines to "burn off" miles putting butts in otherwise unoccupied seats, optimal cost-accountant's approach.

I harbor an edge of resentment to the "late redemption fees", charging for rewards booked on short notice. Not only do they "cost" the airline no more to reserve and ticket (and "charge" my account), but a late reward certainly represents the use of a seat likely to go out empty.

I still return to one of my original claims, howver, that prospectively empty Winter seats to Potato Bog, Maine and East Lapland International ought to be marketed at lower "prices", both for "Savers" and regular redemptions, warming up the Treasurer by burning off mileage liabilities.