Because you just want to know your rights and you are not trying to pull anything, I suggest you write a letter so you can get a written response.

I would suggest you lay out each type case you are interested in and then see how complete a response you get. Follow up as necessary.

You have a valuable asset. You need to plan for its future as you would with your money or other valuables.

You are smart to start checking now. Maybe some of the rest of us could use a similar research project. Please let us know what you find out.

I remember that some airlines require you to specifically mention your airlines miles to get them to pass to another.

As some have said, it is often possible to "use" mileage of a person who "has passed" but I not sure how "legal, moral or withing the airline rules" this may be.

I believe it is always best to be incompliance at all times.

Good luck, or maybe this preplanning eliminates the need for luck!!!!