Me recent successes: I've had great luck with AF J awards:

One for myself JFK-SOF inn May 2011. Great times, connections, etc
Another trip SOF-SEA, AF, J all the way - both for 100 K each

Int'l origination was a kick in the butt, but still a better value than the 1400+ usd flights in Y pricing for same trips...


also: after several modifications, I was able to change my 40k sea-dfw thanksgiving flights to 45k F flights F on AS going there (perfect timing, nonstop) and early AM to SEA (via ATL but on a 767-300 ER - with BE seats )

I am pleased. Just need to figure out christmas/new year's now