Every word about moral values of Carlson management is true, and I have my doubts about it, but the deal is a deal, and it is probably worth pursuing.
Just for reality check, Radisson still has a solid if second rate hotel frequent guest program, and hotels redemption levels had never been devalued. The even added redemptions in Europe earlier this year:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum91/HTML/000326.html

So here's the simpliest strategy I see now:
Buy multiple cheap items from LL Bean using LL Bean credit card (for free shipping), earning 2000 GP's for $1.25 - $1.75
That earns basic hotels night (20,000 GP's or 2500 miles) for $15, or a night in the nice hotel (60,000 - 70,00 GP's) for $45 - $50
Not too bad.
Strategies with Gift Certs might exist, but the free shipping is a key.