I know we all want to maximize the deal, but at the same time it is best not go out of our ways, ie 2 stays on same day, which might not go on our favor. the rewards are far greater. No need on dummy bookings and then miss out on some technicality.

Enjoy your vacation and visit to parents. We all have the same problems, some of our loved ones just can not understand the things we do for points, but once they see the rewards we get, then they start asking what's the next "deal" going on and if they can get on it. Heck, you might try that with your parents and transfer their points to your account, just a thought.