I used the online redemption page to book flights for family members, traveling without me, on simple one-segment Copa round trips. It was reliable and relatively efficient. Finding "saver awards" was what I expected, not as plentiful close in, harder for longer flights.
I got a 10% discount on miles by using my ConnectMiles branded credit card. I was able to select the "Prefer" seats even without me on the reservation.
Mrs. Molina flew alone, with no status, but still inherited my status: Group 1, **PREFERACCESS** PRES PLAT on her boarding pass.