I agree that international usually gives the best value. Would I pay $2,000 to fly SEA-FCO first class for summer travel or to Carnaval in NE Brasil first class? (100,000 miles = $.02/mile) YOU BET!

I consider the tax savings on an award to be of greater value than the accrual of miles if you paid for the ticket. ie a $2000 ticket would require ~$3000 of income and would earn with bonus miles ~40,000 miles or $800 in value.

Of course the best is a cheap ticket and a free upgrade certificate.