FlyerTalk Forums - Getting a Delta Award Ticket

First, let me say thanks to all those who responded to my first question on this board. I do appreciate it. Second, not that you need my permission to do so, but if the mods of this board feel that my question belongs somewhere else, please feel free to move it. That said, here's my question(s):
2 friends and myself are trying to go to the NFL Pro-Bowl in Honolulu, in February of 2004. I have read the boards on this site regarding getting award tickets for Hawaii and the difficulties that may present. I have read several posts that suggest the real key to the availability of these tickets is the time and date (301 days or something), which you request them. So I guess my real question is does anyone have any useful info regarding solid, tried and true methods that might best increase my chances for getting 3 award tickets? Just some basic info that might help with any potential suggestions you might have -- we are all DL FF members, but none of us have any sort of medallion status, nor can we reach it by the end of the year. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.