1. There was a loophole but it's been closed http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/catha...-possible.html

2. You can issue an award now and redate it later - within one year of ticket issue (aim to issue ticket on the expiry day)

3. If you're in HK you can convert them into 75,000 Moneyback points for $1,500 shopping credit. Or you can convert them back into 18,750 miles (a 37.5% loss, but the miles will be fresh 3-year miles - up to five years if you convert them back cos Moneyback points themselves last for two years).