One thing to consider is the benefit of having 50000 in the bank. That means you can do a premium award and fly on the spur of the moment anytime there is a Y class seat. There's a lot of piece of mind knowing if you're suddenly needed on the opposite coast - with the exception of a few super-busy sold out days a year - you can go for free (maybe a rapid redemption fee) but at least not the $1000 walk-up price.