Same thing happened to me a few months back w/ choice award. A relatively far out itin w/o using 'award' was only $10 more on .bomb (not $50). I booked w/ 'award' anyway (hey $10 is $10); later yapta sent me a fare notice & I refared for $75 less than fare booked using 'award'. Thus, 'award' was insultingly meaningless & a waste of time.