Indeed, it takes a little effort and willingness to play the game.

I have also had little issue redeeming award tickets. I've even managed to get 4 non-elite friends all booked on the exact same flights on the same days on MH and CZ for inter-asia tickets. (I did the work for them, but didn't use my Plat status for access to more inventory; this was done all at the base level) That was rather astounding when I pulled that off.

And herein lies my main reason for sticking with NW. I'm getting major bonus miles for anything I do with NW, I rarely miss and upgrade, I've had little difficulty getting awards, and the Plat Elite line has been excellent to me. I don't ask for much more from my airline, so pillows, blankies, and the like don't bother me too much.