Helen, I too have used Ben twice now, and also Gary Leff same, with more than satisfactory service, both of them are so nice and responsive from my experience! I know it has been mentioned before, but www.viewfromthewing.com is a great site to see what is happening and to keep up with the frequent flyer world and how to gain additional miles.

I don't fly enough to reach Platinum on any airline. Best I ever got was one year on Gold USAir. I think it got me one upgrade to Mexico! Branded credit cards give priority boarding, etc. Then there's Global Entry, etc. and Fast Pass or whatever it is called for elites.

Fortunately, like you said, those loyalty programs are masterful, giving double miles for the right credit card, bonus miles for status holders. Just paying normal bills by credit card same to me as writing a check, and the miles are a bonus. Only way I can get miles, since I am retired, and I hoard them like a little squirrel gathering nuts for the winter!