And a key thing related to points. On WN, the cheaper the airfare (sale or not) the fewer the points. On a real good day, I can get to Tampa from New England for 7000 points.
Also... Rapid Rewards shopping is another avenue along with the cards. Got to buy something at Lowes? Buy it on RR shopping, pick it up at store, and get points. Sometimes there's good deals. I got a 2000$ lawn tractor and netted 8k points.