Originally Posted by Sabai

AF and KL arguably present better redemption values and often have more availability than does DL's own metal.

IME KL holds premium seats until a week or so before depature; so if you want WBC, you might first nab Y seats and wait for the chance to make a new award reservation when/if inventory opens up. You then must cancel and redposit the miles for your placeholder in the back; if you aren't Plat or above, you'll pay dearly for this.

Not sure if LAX-JNB would be a single redemption or if KL views AMS-JNB and LAX-AMS as two different trips?

Good luck.