I tend to abuse PWM, use it nearly 100% of the time. I use it for tix for the family when we are vacation (I buy mine, use PWM for their 3 tix).

In fact, I used it today to book 3 tix (SEA - HNL) over Thanksgiving. 40K miles (fare was $390) per ticket direct using PWM as opposed to the 75K or some other obscene amount being asked for an award tix.

In this case since there are no upgrades to Hawaii, the only downside is the change fees if for some reason I need it...