Why are there two different kinds of AirMiles instead of just one ?  That seems like an artificial impediment to redeeming miles for something useful to you *after* you've spent years or decades collecting them .  Instead you're supposed to choose one or the other type years in advance with no knowledge of what (artificially high) price AirMiles will put on redeeming them .  What a public relations fiasco and a demonstration of how to kill the goodwill of your customers !