I went ahead and dropped the 15k miles. I am in 1A IAH-ANC and waitlisted EWR-IAH. Everything should work out just fine. Knowing my luck I'd of proly gotten the EAU, but with a 7+ hour flight I'd just assume have a for sure seat.

Thanks for all the help.

Now I just have to wait for MCI-ANC FC reward tickets to open up for June...am sending my folks as an Xmas present.