As with other posters, I've undergone a conversion. I was a hoarder ("Hello. My name is DKM and I'm a hoarder.") I reached a point a year or so ago when I decided to be a spender. I had about 1.5million miles in my account and I decided it was time to burn, baby, burn. There were several reasons for this: the general poor health of the airline industry, my finding the love of my life, etc. So, off I went. we've now had trips (in J) to:
1. France
2. The Baltics
3. Italy
4. Istanbul
5. Russia (this fall)
I have enough miles for 5 more J trips to Europe of S.A. - well, 2.5 since I'm partnered. I expect them to be gone by the end of next year.
It was the right decision for me. It's been a wonderful ride.