I have an update...After checking early Feb as more days became bookable, we decided to book 31Jan from JFK to REP with a (few hours) layover in SIN. Some Advantage Award fares were available thru FRA, but with long layovers and many Waitlist only. I do think it's Chinese New Year that's affecting availability.

So I called SQ res to hold the space pending miles transfer and was first told that she couldn't do that for me. I responded that one of the res agents with whom I had spoken twice previously assured me that they COULD do that, mentioned the agent's name, and then suggested that if I had to ticket it immediately I would ask her to hold for me while I transferred points. She came back and told me she would be able to hold the space for me pending transfer of points. So we booked the space and I received an email while still on the phone with her confirming the booking and saying I had until 25 Feb to ticket the reservation. 10 days! And with no extra charge for holding the space.

I made sure to confirm that we had the Saver Award fare held because the email didn't note that detail.

After getting off the phone and discussing a bit further, I made the points transfer and, when I checked my KrisMiles account in about 15 minutes, they were already deposited. So that makes twice that the online transfer took only 15 minutes. Keep in mind I have zero status with SQ.

Once I'm sure this works for us, I'll call back and finalize the ticket. I'll update if there's any news I think may be helpful. Oh, and I was advised that, for $100 additional, we could add a stopover in SIN (for 30 days or fewer), so that may be of interest, as I had been advised there could be no stopovers with Saver Award. However, the agent with whom I made the reservation told me I could included a stopover without advising me of the $100 extra feel; I had to dig for than info with the supervisor. (I had asked to be connected to say kind things about the res agent. My experience is that these agents are not all that well-versed in SQ policy, so one has to ask all questions necessary, and maybe wait a long time while they go check, lol.)

I'll face the return booking when that opens up. Eek, it's a long trip and I'm almost out of AMEX points. May have to fly PE, but will also check other carriers. Sorry to be long-winded; hope this helps someone else!