This entire post is very wise, as it should be coming from someone with a handle like baccarat_king!

Everything b_k says is completely true as it relates to SM. If you want to be able to redeem your miles for last minute travel that's date certain and inflexible, SM (or at least this incarnation) is not for you. (Although, PwM does mitigate that, albeit at a huge premium.)

I like the opportunity to use my miles for international BE travel, and I've used miles this year to fly in BE to SJO and CO's biz product to POP. My dates weren't even all that flexible (maybe one day either way). I was flexible with routing and times. Also, I ONLY search for F or BE awards. I'm not interested in traveling Y for pleasure, except on very short hauls.

I also like SM's unlimited U/G's for elites. (Although, I may not like it so much after the double MQM promo!)

My point is, every FF program has their plusses and minuses. For me, SM works. We get SO MANY posts here from people ranting about lack of award availability to X city and Y city like it's some sort of surprise. In fact, the SkyChoice "problem" has been documented here extensively.

IMO, baccarat_king's post should be required reading for anyone who is growing frustrated while searching for award travel.