Sub-optimal as in less-desirable. You prefer EWR, second choice would probably be LGA or JFK, and PHL a third (just guessing).

As for the fare, it's a bit high. We saw a LGA-SMF $190 all in RT on CO earlier this week. I would've been more pleased with a fare like that, especially since it's from an airport closer to you. Once we start getting over $220 - $230 or so on a trip you don't need to take, that's starting to get too high.

As for the MR points, if you have tons and will never need them all, then sure, use them. Otherwise, for a hotel that you could probably procure for $45 or so via Priceline, I would probably save the points for a more expensive venue. Or better yet, find a MR that doesn't require a hotel (at least not on both ends).

That's why I asked how many EQM you need. This is close to 10K EQM after DEQM -- do you really need all that much? If it's less, you can probably do better on a quicker run that avoids hotels.

And finally, you have to look at whether it's worthwhile to do it at all. You're a Silver according to your profile. If you're going to do this to maintain Silver, which likely doesn't get much in terms of upgrades, and only a 25% mileage bonus, the main perks are pre-boading and no bag fees.

So all this time, effort, money, and MR point loss for a trip that'll buy you what, 6,000 bonus miles next year and a couple of bag fee waivers?

Now if you're going for Gold, it's a different story.