I totally agree with CB. I used to have 400K+ plus BR miles, and were happily redeeming them for TPE-NRT, TPE-KIX, TPE-FUK, TPE-LAX, TPE-EWR, etc. popular routes. But it all started to change a couple years ago when BR only put 1 PL seat available for award redemption for these popular routes, even as far out as 1 year in advance. I use my miles for family trips so this create a big headache for me because the flight schedule cannot be confirmed until 1-2 weeks prior (if lucky), or 1-2 days (if not so lucky), or even mid-trip. And I have been a GR or SL for BR then. So I sat on a pile of very-difficult-to-use miles for quite a while until it almost got expired. I finally scored some tickets to Japan this June (right before the expiring date), and it is because of the earthquake.

So I switched to CX this January. Been racking up 250K+ miles so far and have been happily redeeming them for intra-Asia trips. And the best part is that I can do it online, instant availability. And I was a GR/SL when all these redemptions happened.

I guess if you are DM, then your miles with BR is worth as much as it is if you use them. But if not, then, good luck!