Just did awards trip from LGA through IAD to LHR, then LHR to LED, then MOW to NCE through LHR. Then back from NCE to LGA through LHR then IAD. Did it all on awards tickets. Yes, it was a lot of connecting and such. But I got to travel through Russia and then go to the South of France at the height of the summer travel season. If you plan ahead and are willing to make connections anyone who flies enough can use rewards without enormous affinity points.

I live in NYC and know many people who have AMEX Black. None of them fly commercial, rev or nonrev. So I don't think they or their extravagant purchasing habits are to blame.