Plus you can always use your points as there are no blackouts and capacity controls. The amount of points you spend is in direct correlation to the price of the ticket. If there is a sale for paid tickets, award tickets are in effect on sale too which gives a big advantage over the legacy carriers where you may or may not be able to redeem an award on any given flight. In addition, you have to pay fees for baggage, close in bookings, etc. on the legacies so your "free" ticket is not so free.