I'll take a tip from craz and use this post to try to test my comprehension of my reading, and perhaps help Anthony7929 down the path to righteousness.

I am NEW at this.
I believe I understand the process to be...

Possess or apply for a rewards-related CC that is important to you (miles or nights or Starbucks, for all I care...)
Open a RB/BB/Serve account (if new Serve, better get the green one)
Use the rewards card for some regular spend, AND buy VGC (generally not vanilla).
Take the VGC to WM or FD, and use Kate or CSR or cashier to load the serve/RB/BB. If the cashier is stuck, suggest 70+action code (at WM)
Thank the cashier, and fade away.
Use a bill pay mechanism to pay from RB/BB/Serve to the reward card.
Rinse, repeat.

I've been reading for two+ weeks, and I think that's the system.

Advanced users may manage more than one RB/BB/Serve for consenting family members.
Advanced users may choose to purchase AMEX GCs through a cashback portal for more rewards, then proceed with using the AMEX GCs to purchase VGCs.

And don't buy the VGC in the same store/same visit/same cashier line as you're trying to load!!!

Hope I'm on the right track.