Gosh, Travelexpert. We're not even allowed to think about it?

Is it not even possible that some people may have viewpoints different than yours? "Bang for the buck" is my priority, too. "Dollar calculation per point used" is not my top priority. In other words, I get the bang from the experience, not the calculation.

So if I strive all year to earn enough points for two $1k cruise certificates and then use them for a 10-day Caribbean cruise at off-season rates (at a port I can drive to, by the way), does that make me an idiot? I guess so, per your rules. But at least I'm a happy idiot!