Originally Posted by lamont2718

So it sounds like you currently have 80k DL SkyMiles? In which case, the redemption options look like this:

DL option: 80k DL SkyMiles + 40k Amex MR points + $400
VS option: 0k DL SkyMiles + 54k Amex MR points + $900

If you rearrange these numbers, the question could be restated as this: would you rather have 14k Amex MR points + $500 (DL option), or 80k DL SkyMiles (VS option)?

I would probably pick the VS option. But a reasonable argument could be made for the DL option depending on your valuation of Amex MR points and DL SkyMiles. Some people do value Amex MR points highly enough to make the DL option more attractive.