Mark,
I posted a response to you on the Fodors board...just to summarize, my opinion is that you have more of a complaint about the expiration of the Equity miles than with award availibility...it's just the way the game is, and we all have to remember that miles are not a privilege.
I am glad, however, that the certificates are gone, and that one can redeem miles with a simple phone call. I am just looking forward to the day that on-line award booking arrives at TWA.