Multiple responses:

* domestic capacity cuts:
Short haul routes have had RJs replaced with mainline jets.
My anecdotal results over last 6 months.....getting the Business/First Class international sectors of an award ticket have been easier than getting the domestic sector from my city (CLE) to the gateway city. Result- having to buck up anywhere from $125-$275 per ticket to buy the domestic sectors....in effect a devaluation of my miles.

* foreign program fuel surcharges
As noted in previous post, foreign programs include fuel surchaes in their 'taxes and fees'. For my last 6 long-haul award tickets, the average 'taxes and fees' were over $600. While I redeemed Business/First Class tickets, $600 is stil a rrelative good value, but compared to taxes and fees same time last year, I'm looking about $400 more per ticket...another devaluation.

I consider myself a mileage 'bull' like ingy, but the convergence of these two issues above have considerably cooled my ardor for being in accumulating mode for the time being. I guess I'm in 'hold' mode until the dust settles for a few months.