Ones experience redeeming miles as a 1k/PlatExec/Rockstar is a very different experience from that of a lower (or no-er) status flier.

AA. Cashing-in miles on AA as a Plat was do-able, but I got sick and tired of the $100 here, $50 here fees that were added.

UA. With fee free booking, United was a lot better in this regard. As a mid-tier FFer on UA, I could book emergency travel w/o getting nickel and dimed.

BA. I've found using BAEC miles to be a great way to book O/W flights on AA. Their 40K year-round South America awards are a great bargain, and I've never had a problem with availability.