For most of us as US based flyers, it is not a valid alternative. You'd lose one of the most highly sought after elite program benefits - domestic upgrades. Additionally, I know many of the Euro FFPs charge fuel surcharges on award bookings; several hundred $ on long-hauls. Not sure if SK does that too, but it's 50 times worse than the fees we're discussing here, which many people won't pay at all, ever. @:-)