Wanted to share my frist experience which turned out to be much better than what I had expected after reading all these posts.

TRIP DETAILS
Purchased: 11/28/2005
Award type: 25k economy w/i lower 48 states (2 redeemed)
Routing: Outbound: GRB-ORD-TPA. Inbound: TPA-DFW-GRB
Date: 3/22/06 to 3/26/06
Number of days redeemed in advance of trip: 110 days (approximately)
Lowest prevailing price: around $400 on AA
Airline redeemed on: AA
Fare class of flights: S

I got exactly the flights, dates, airline I wanted for these flights knowing that AA is their prefered airline. I always called PremierPass Elite MC customer serivce number. After the usual drill of entering your CC number and so on: I was asked to press 4 for info regarding thankyou points. Phone answered in seconds and rerouted to GI where I was always connected to GI CSR in seconds. GI rep was very courteous and checked my itinerary and asked me to get the cerificate numbers from Thankyou customer serivce. She even said that she will hold while I call Thnakyou guys provided I have another phone line. Unfortuntely I did not, so I had to hang up. It was late night (dont remember the exact time) but Thankyou customer serivce was closed for the day.

Next day was thanksgiving so called the day after (Friday). I always started with PremierPass Elite MC customer serivce number as they connected me to the GI in seconds. As soon as my itinary was OK, I had to get the certificate numbers. This time I requested the CSR to hold for me while I get the certificate numbers by conference call. She agreed To my bad luck Thankyou customer serivce still closed and will open on Monday. (Long extended thanksgivings vacation.) Hung up after telling the GI rep.

Called on Monday after the thanksgiving weekend. Same drill. Started with PremierPass Elite customer serivce and they let me talk to GI people in seconds. This time the CSR was not that friendly but OK. She told me not to tell her the citi codes but just the names of cities as this irritates her Itinary OK so I need the certificate numbers. She declined my request to hold while I do a conference call with Thankyou guys as this will keep their line busy. Got the certificate numbers and then called GI again. Their direct lines were constantly busy so PremierPass Elite customer serivce route turned out to be a life saver. Got the reservations and all done in minutes ^ No doubt one of the easiest free tickets that I have ever earned.