I'm in the same position. I don't want to burn my miles when I am trying to maintain elite status. Unfortunately, the large number of unused miles affects the liability on Alaska's balance sheet which I'm sure they would love to reduce. I think if you could earn status while reducing your miles (and Alaska's liability), then it would be a win-win situation. I know there is the mileage/dollar fares that you can book that supposedly earn EQM's but I haven't tried it yet and it always seems to cost a lot more miles than what it's worth if you booked using all miles.