but for those of us who do it via cc spend, SPG has best value in redemptions on choice of airlines.
Ack!

I know SPG has a bazillion airline partners, but I'd only do those 1:1.25 transfers as an absolute last resort - as in, you are redeeming an int'l premium cabin award
now and you have no other source for those miles.
The points are worth so much more as hotel stays...