Like many airlines, Alaska makes a distinction between miles that go towards status, and miles that can be redeemed for awards. In Alaska parlance, these are Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and redeemable miles (RDMs), respectively. Card bonuses give you RDMs. You only earn EQMs through flying (and occasional promotions, like corporate status match programs). As for miles purchases, I'm pretty sure those too are RDMs, but I'm not 100% sure.