I have some family members like that. When they need to go somewhere they call me and ask if they have miles, but when a special offer comes along they are like - is it really worth it, how many miles do I have, spend is too much, it's an Amex.

BTW my wife is also hesitant to call, but often she authorizes the agent to listen to me and then I do the talking. We have never tried this on recons - is it possible?