4 days before my miles expiration date (so really close), I redeemed 200 pts for a useless magazine. Wasn't sure if it would be processed in time, but it did. Transaction recorded on F9.com 2 days later, and my miles are still there. Not sure if they would have actually expired otherwise (there are conflicting discussions in this forum), but I'm glad we have this small effort option.

As a complete DP, I did fly on a revenue ticket about 10 days after the expiration date. I don't think that's what saved it, but I mention it just to be complete.