[QUOTE=deadreader]you can take lost points that don't amount to anything and trade them in for something (besides buying magazines).....
QUOTE]
there is no such thing as "lost points that don't amount to anything". keeping in mind redemption rates and a number of a partners loyalty programs have nowadays, with a little planning one can always collect enough points/miles/whatever for an award, redeem it and close an account - beats any redemption options offered at points.com.