I am fascinated by old-timers pulling such advice out of their sleeves like the rest of us blow our noses. I have admittedly been on FT for a mere single digit years, but mostly perhaps my Alaska escapades are constrained to purchasing Alaska for money and partner for miles. My world will no doubt crumble when Asia and Rome come into full display on the Alaska scene. Adding the Alaska FF# to an AA account profile seems simple enough, but I just can't picture booking a flight on AA for money given the meager return on EQM, while I have little problem redeeming Alaska miles on even domestic AA flights for often favorable rates. Or am I missing something?