Although I don't think this thread is really about AAdvantage anymore, I'll leave that one up to the moderator(s).

You may want to consider the magazine redemption - You could possibly even have it sent to someone as a gift. From then on, direct your car rental points to VS and keep the account current. The JNB award that was referred to is Johannesburg, South Africa. I travelled there from the U.S. in May and had a great time. Spent 3 days in London on the way down, and enjoyed Upper Class, esp. the suites.