I totally agree. I have been given some of the weirdest looks, and heard some totally bizarre comments when I said that I was going to SIN for 2.5 hours, or SAN for 1.5 hours, etc. But, if you really love what you are doing (read FLYING) and are keen on learning the game, this can be awesome, and totally addictive. Especially if you get to meet all the amazing FT'ers along the way.

I used to do it on a student budget during my undergrad, and grad; and I still do it! I was always able to maintain a decent status with atleast two airlines (by BIS). IMO, MR's are more to earn and keep elite status with an airline, as opposed to earning RDMs (which, ofcourse, is necessary and an added benefit of MR's).

I am not nearly as experienced as many of the FT'ers here, and I have a long way to go! Hope our paths cross sometime!!