I've actually had better luck with the "mistake" fares and discounts posted here than the points/miles.

Years ago, we were not as financially well-off, and yet FT taught me how I could afford to fly back and forth to see my wife while we were working out which coast would be home.

It also meant our first international trip, mostly through the generosity of United's revenue mgmt dept. And just this summer, we scored cheap tickets to Hawaii. (And ended up earning back vouchers that made it free. Thanks again, United!)

Really, FT has meant the difference between choosing travel or creature comforts. It's saved us enough to have both. I owe such a debt to so many contributors here.