<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Both RBCs and TDs cost more then 15k for a short-haul to the US, both require advance bookings and weekend stays which is why I can never use them.</font>
That's only the case if you use them in their raw "air mile points" like form.
You are vastly better off to transfer them to British Airways or American Airlines, where you can get a true award ticket, with minimal taxes and restrictions.