I think the point was covered earlier in the thread, but to confirm, the full qualifying period is not required if the qualifying service is brought to an end by death, wounding or other disability due to operational service.
That's from the criteria for the Iraq Medal (Op TELIC). I think you will find similar criteria for other campaign medals.
Exactly.
Campaign medals are awarded for contribution to a campaign. Whether an individual is wounded or not during that contribution is rightly not distinguished.
Valour medals are awarded irresespective of whether the individual survived/was injured/died.
What's wrong with that simple and noble system?
An award like the US Purple Heart would blur that distinction and would give an incentive to those who self-injure themselves to avoid front-line service - why would the UK wish to copy that? Who would qualify for one anyway, who didn't justly qualify for a Campaign or Valour medal?
I would, however, support the return of the likes of the WW1 civilian award to those whose military career has been cut short by injuries during their service.