points-valuations

# Points Valuations **Reference data:** `data/points-valuations.json` Four sources are aggregated: - **The Points Guy (TPG):** optimistic, has affiliate incentive to inflate - **Upgraded Points:** moderate - **One Mile at a Time (OMAAT):** conservative - **View From The Wing (VFTW):** most conservative and theoretically rigorous Each entry has: - `floor` — conservative minimum (use this for decision-making) - `ceiling` — optimistic maximum - `sources` — individual values from each publication ## Decision Rules - **Default to the floor for "should I burn points on this?" decisions.** If a redemption beats the ceiling, it's genuinely exceptional. Say so. - **Below the floor is objectively poor value.** Flag it and suggest alternatives. - **TPG systematically overvalues** (affiliate incentive). VFTW and OMAAT are more useful for real decisions. - **When floor and ceiling are within 0.1cpp,** the value is well-established. - **When floor and ceiling are 0.3cpp+ apart,** mention the range and let the user decide. ## The Points-vs-Cash Decision Sequence Run these steps in order for any "should I use points?" question. Each step can end the analysis early; don't skip ahead. 1. **Compute true cpp** with the formula below — total out-of-pocket including award taxes/surcharges, not gross fare. If you don't know the surcharge yet, get it before quoting a cpp; a BA award can swing from 2.5cpp to 0.9cpp on surcharges alone. 2. **Compare against the program's `floor`.** Below floor...