I made SE entirely on personal travel in 98 and 99. I was with the Federal Government then, and we were prohibited by Treasury Board from collecting miles for official travel.
However, I would fly NYC HKG about 3 times a year, and pop over to LHR a couple of times. Between seat sales on UA, and reasonably priced H fares with no minimum stays on AC (ex-USA) it was not that hard.
I figure it cost me no more than USD5000 to rack up 100,000 miles.
Since I've gone into the private sector, it's all academic. A fair bit of J-class transpac now. Adds up real fast. I am figuring I will be requalified for 2002 before June.