Brancatelli is really wrong about many things, and this is no exception.

** FF programs are profit centers. Mileage Plus is probably worth more than United Airlines right now.

** As the guy above stated, a huge percentage of outstanding FF miles are being held in increments too small to do anything with except buy magazine subscriptions.

** Only about 10 percent of FF members really strategize their programs. They're us. We are ahead of the game.

** Like any currency, miles grow less valuable over time. The trick is not to hoard them, but use them promptly and wisely. A 25,000 mile domestic award that would otherwise cost $250 is a dumb redemption strategy and Joe should know it. A $7,000 overseas business class ticket for 100,000 miles is still a great deal, especially if you got most of those miles renting cars and buying groceries.

I no longer pay much attention to J.B.