Thanks "OB One" My head is spinning with stats but the line "Due to trends in award activity, we estimate that 16-34% of all awards will go unredeemed. This includes expirations." seems to confirm my thoughts on the matter (which I now see as "old hat" for a discussion at this level)I'll back off now & leave it to the experts....still morbidly curious about what % of miles are buried with their owners!