Yes, that ticket is a binding contract for both sides.
If you sign a contract fully aware you don't intend to honor it, you are an asshole.
>Skiplagging is only determined on intentions,
...Yes?
I'm not sure if you're being daft. It is skiplagging to buy something with the intent to not honor the deal, it is not skiplagging if you cannot honor the deal due to factors outside your control.
>You should be more mad about people flying for cheap with credit card points, that literally DOES raise prices for everyone.
The airlines receive compensation from the banks so it's a non-issue.