Looks like NW is a decent option--

50% off of the full Y fare was still running in the $400 range for the flights I would have needed-

So if I could have burned 25k miles I would have done so.

AA and UA's redemption fees (In October apparantly) make it a lot less attractive-- putting my "value of miles" at the 1c point, where I figure I might as well just pay for a ticket.

So, NW will get a ticket every now and then from me, just to keep a little in the emergency bank.

Thanks for the input