You have to know what they're good for - hotels (particularly FHR/Hotel Collection), restaurants (restaurant collection), flights (esp. deals e.g. upgrades, using BA GUF2, specific flexibility), Amex sponsored events (e.g. at O2 in the UK), and specific retail benefits as detailed in the benefits section. Stick to it and you'll be fine. Outside of that I agree its mostly easier to do it yourself or if you have a PA have them do it. Though I am commenting mostly on the Centurion RM side of things.