As the thread starter, I am "going rogue" in my quest to earn a free flight or two for my family and will bank on DL to get me there, starting with my trip to Asia. I may regret it, but you know, there were many reasons it made sense. Spouse and I already had miles on DL, Alaska is a pretty big player where I am (Hawaiian has a couple of flights), SPG card giving 1.25:1 ratio on DL miles. I hope to be as positive as Mooper when all is said and done.
[Of course, I could also be going on many a rant when all is said and done too]