When I'm still looking for status miles in a year, and I'm travelling with a friend (or two), then I get a revenue ticket for myself and award(s) for the friend(s); we then add the total cost up (awards still have the taxes) and divide by 2 or 3 - however many of us there are in the group. That way, I get some benefit of the award but still earn status miles and my mates get discount travel! When I've already reached the maximum status (and this year is the first time), I start looking for decent J/F awards for selfish me!

--Henry