I have miles in a number of programs so I have flexibility in my searches. I currently am finding decent availability in the SQ program. I move AMEX points to SQ. I have also had success booking SQ awards from my AS account. I also used AS miles for awards via DOH to ZNZ, and awards on JL from SGN-NRT-SAN. These are all for 2 people. I'm not having luck with my Flying Blue program where I had decent success a year or two back. The dates/routes I have tried to book have skyrocketed in points required.

I also subscribe to a newsletter that sends out alerts for premium award space. I get both text and email. I find it worth the $99 annual fee. It gets my creative juices flowing. He lets us know about routes where he finds multiple biz or F seats, then tells what programs can be used to book those awards. He also includes what transferable currency can be moved to those programs.

https://straighttothepoints.co/award-alerts/

Also, like you, we are open to buying tickets when we can't find award space. I have an alert set up for every thread in the premium fare forum. We purchased tickets to Oman last year when we couldn't find award space but could find ticket prices I considered acceptable.