Sounds like SWA dominates certain markets where they have frequent non-stop flights. I have looked at them LAX/SNA-SEA and SEA-MCO and have not found prices to be substantially lower to justify stops in OAK or going cross country without FC. The ticket credit value thing is pretty similar for MVP Golds but you cannot transfer to another person. The fact that AS MVP Gold's only earn 5K total mileage for westcoast routes sucks when fares are over $200. When I ask SWA flyers, most are unable to answer why they fly. AS and other carriers, even at $39, SHOULD always be matching SWA's prices.