I am having good luck increasing my EQD by buying cheap econ tickets and adding a rental car on AAVacations. It codes as a special fare. A transcon routed via a long connection (e.g. LAX - MIA - WAS) with N*,S*, G* gets 10% distance instead of what you pay. Since I need a rental car anyway.. works out well. Certainly cheaper than a throwaway hotel. With the $250 r/t transcons and a widebody (777 on the LAX/MIA route) with a good chance of my EXP upgrade... I don't mind doing some back and forths.