I'm in the same boat as sillyminney. Getting 5 seats is difficult. We too have booked six months out, but have never been able to get flights into Orlando. Last year we flew into Tampa, with no trouble getting seats. In 2000, we flew into Miami and drove to Orlando, we won't do that again. From what I've been able to figure out with aeroplan, 5 seats seems to be what's available on flights for redemption.
As far as airmiles collecting, I'll be dead before I ever have enough points to redeem for a flight. As far as redeeming for merchandise, I find you have to watch the number of points they want versus the actual value of the item. Some of the things they have seem hardly worth.
We're saving aeroplan points for 2005 to go to Europe for my nephews wedding. I only hope that by then, my aeroplan points will be good. Hopefully Air Canada will still be flying at that time.