I thought you could change the date if the date is within 330days after the expire date, but the route change is not allowed.
It is true that UA or other airlines have no expire date as long as there are any activities within a certain time frame.
But it was not easy to find upgrade, free award seats compared to JAL.
When I was 1K on UA, it still had tough time to get upgrade/award seats.
On JAL with status, it was much easier, especially my frequent route between HNL-NRT.
Also, JAl's family account rule makes non-frequent flyers easy to redeem award, such as 15000mile each for the family of 4 will have 60000 miles award travel.
JAL's limitation not allowing to use miles for friends could be the disadvantage for us. However, that is why we can find availability more.
Another JAL's disadvantage is 70% accumulation rule as status mile on discounted ticket. I wish I got 100% status miles.
Another disadvantage(?) is that I have not experienced much for op-upgrade compared to UA.
Simply UA did more overbooking/cancellation of flights so I used to get Op-upgrade so often without using miles/certificates.
On JAL, I had only a few for the last 5 years.
I still have the status on UA, JAL, and ANA.
Considering the advantage/disadvantage of each airlines, I select my flight because Airline has not chosen me, I have all right to choose airlines.
Well written Tak regarding pros and cons.
*A has been wonderful for routes and award tickets.
You are right when you said we can choose.
Time to jump ship with JAL!