ok here goes my recent tale:

Keeping in mind Delta AMEX Triple Miles this month for > $500, I'm out shopping for a fridge for my new house and finally pinpoint one that I like. So I haggle with the sales guy for about 30 minutes abd finally come to a price. About a hour later, decide to purchase. Whip out my Delta AMEX and the Sales Guy states "Sorry, We don't accept AMEX. Anything but AMEX." So rather than lose the 3x miles, I walked out. Got a call from the guy the next day, i told him thanks for the service and all, but i need the miles. So my wife (who is not a mileage freak) suggested asking for a cash discount instead for the actual value of the miles (.03 a mile). Trying my luck it worked. Got the fridge much cheaper than any other place and got a cash advance on the miles. Payed happily with my 1% rebate Discover Card. personal Lesson learned: No point in stock piling so many miles, when there's a cash out option. thanks for reading.