If the 140 hours have been rendered wasted by the deletion of the save file, they were already being wasted while he was playing the game.

Playing a game is not labor or an artistic endeavour. The only purpose of gaming is to enjoy the moment. The feeling of progress and gradual collection of badges is an illusion that exists to serve the momentary enjoyment.

Your BF lost nothing of value. By weaning him off this game, you did him a favor.