This is the first year I have acquired a credit card earning miles, so forgive me if this is a stupid question. My situation is I earned 60K miles, and the goal is 70K for two Central America flight tickets. Since it would be on a partner airline, BA won't let me use the 60K towards the second ticket and pay the rest - that option is only available on BA flights. Problem is I only have one month left before I need to make the decision to re-up (and cough up an additional $75 annual fee) or cancel. I know I can purchase miles, but that doesn't make fiscal sense when it costs $400 to purchase 10K miles. I have my heart set on the destination with two "free" tickets as the goal - can anyone tell me the best options I have to earn those miles? Maybe I can get some miles by referring a friend, or negotiate when I re-up for a miles "bonus" or have the annual fee waived? Is any of this a possibility? Thanks so much to anyone who has the patience to help a newbie!

Pete