I usually value AA miles at about 1.5 cents each. Not sure how redemptions in international cabins are these days. I know awards I booked last fall were easy, but then all the flights got messed up, and took 2+ hours to find other less desireable options.

Still, they can be used with some effort for good travel options.

Congratulations on your first FT post in 15 years. Seems it should be a record, but likely not.