re: How to get the most out of 100k AMEX pts?

Ya, all the Asian countries went nuts and many have stayed nuts so their airlines are basically unpredictable for the foreseeable future.

Hopefully better situation by then. I suppose you could go across the Atlantic but it won't be the same great deal that direction and it won't be on ANA.

ETA: one more search tip. Don't be afraid of using the multi city search. Can't really explain it but I feel like I was able to get some things to work there/map out what was working when you can see each segment as opposed to that big box that says wait-list when you do a normal search. I think it will force more partner airlines to show up if needed.