I think it is indeed naive to say AA cannot "devalue" their miles. AA and every airline have devalued (i.e. raised the mileage price for awards) in the past, and they all continue to do so. Some airlines have just raised their domestic award by eliminating an " off peak" 20k award, and by raising some internaitonal awards. If even the United States government cannot keep the dollar from losing its purchasing power over the years, how can we expect an airline to do so with its miles ? Is it realistic to expect an airline to maintain the same award structure for ever ? If it is, I will choose the 1980s when Northwest gave me a week's hotel and a week's car rental with my awards.