In regards to manufactured spending, I know it's possible to set up shadow businesses to do it. It gets screwy with taxes however. I personally am not willing to go there, but to each their own. Vanilla reloads don't seem like a sharp ROI on my time due to the meticulous organization needed.
Looking at flyer talk, there are people OBSESSED with this hobby.
I go as far as CC signup bonuses, and using the right cards for the right purchases. If I need, I'll buy miles when they're on sale. For example, USAir is running a killer sale on their miles through May 25. These miles will convert to AA miles shortly down the road. Strictly buying miles when an airline is having a good sale, you can still buy one way transcontinental tickets for ~$1000, a price comfortable for me.
Looking at flyer talk, there are people OBSESSED with this hobby.
I go as far as CC signup bonuses, and using the right cards for the right purchases. If I need, I'll buy miles when they're on sale. For example, USAir is running a killer sale on their miles through May 25. These miles will convert to AA miles shortly down the road. Strictly buying miles when an airline is having a good sale, you can still buy one way transcontinental tickets for ~$1000, a price comfortable for me.