Maybe you all need to start thinking that the US is the exception.... In no other country that I know you can get those "ridiculous" sign up bonusses for credit cards or the oportunities for MS.

Earning points for credit card spend, and sometimes some points for FFP offers like newspaper or telecomm subscriptions are the best that's available. Maybe some minor tricks to buy/earn points in hotel programs and then do a transfer. But that's about it. Not even the good transfer ratios that Amex US has, or the variety in participating programs.

So count yourselfs lucky.... But maybe also wonder why it is so :-).