Well, I wasn't trying to be a buzzkill! Just making sure you were being somewhat realistic.

To quote you :

"I need a miles/points card that will allow us to earn points for travel all over the world really... Europe, Middle East, Hawaii, Austr/NZ, and Western US"

Sounds somewhat ambitious.

But - if you are willing to moderate you plans, there is a lot you can do. Again, get a card, start earning some miles. If it's an affinity card, pick an airline you can live with. Check out the airline specific forums here. For example, it is rumoured that on Continental (CO) you can never get a standard award. Delta (DL) has other rumors rampant, too. Read and ask before you commit anything bigtime.

Your goals of a transcon or two, or a European trip are actually quite do able; you will need to plan, but, hey! that's half the fun.

And finally, since I don't think anyone else did it - Welcome to FlyerTalk!!