Hi, and welcome to FT. You'll probably find that not everyone is focused solely on the cheapest fare and the most points, but rather get the most out of the flying and travel experience -- this means different things to different people.

However, first tip. You said:

"2)Making sure I have the correct airline miles card (for whatever airline I end up on)"

You should be concentrating all your travel on a single carrier. When that carrier won't get you where you want to go, first look for codeshare partners -- flights on a different carrier that are booked through your preferred carrier and are given your preferred carrier's flight number. For example, UA has a lot of codeshare partners, including AC (Air Canada) and US. When I fly on US, I book the UA codeshare number so that I get the full amount of EQMs (equity miles that count towards status). Then, there are partner airlines that will let you earn miles on your preferred carrier. These are airlines in one of the major alliances, e.g. Star Alliance, One World, etc. You'll also get reciprocal club room rights (usually) and other benefits.

At any rate, pick one carrier that best meets your needs and then stay with it. The most important thing is elite status and that's the way to get it.