Thanks Venk, you have it correct.
As far as the prior comment about a request 21 days ahead, I made the request 70 days ahead. That argumment doesn't work, once they have dropped you request off the system on the day of your flight.
Indeed, the CSR handling this for me at the Admirals Club at LAX was the most knowledgable person I have spoken to at LAX concerning this, and she laid out the costs up front. Pay the $75 to get a cert number only good for the day and have your miles deducted....and if the seat clears, you pay only $75. If it doesn't clear, you're out $175.00 ( $75 to deduct the miles for a cert. number and $100 to resposit the miles).
Zenk, I know you'd discussed thus before...but the apparent lack of a working search capability on this ##@!! new system wouldn't allow my to bring forward your string.