OP, thanks for raising this question. Actually saves me a post. I too am in similar situation. I plan on taking the miles but it seems NOBODY does that. I so rarely travel int'l and when i do, i buy BE. I've purchased SC memebership so that's useless and don't plan on gifting anybody so the miles are the only choice. Does ANYbody ever take the miles or am I missing some obvious reason NOT to do so? thnx. congrats OP on making PM. I've only been there for two weeks and the UG's have def increased.