Should I join USDM now

I would open accounts with everything under the sun: LifeMiles, Alaska, United, BA/Avios, US, American etc.
Then they're sitting there when they want to decide to travel/buy for a future trip(s).
Whether it's a good time or not? I'm hesitant with US given recent devaluations and the strong likelihood that there will be more to come, however it's more so because I don't really have the money to spend on it right now so I wouldn't want to stretch with such risk. If I had cash burning a hole in my pocket, though, I would have bought.
Just remember, points are a currency that can be devalued at any time and certainly do not appreciate. They don't earn interest, are generally non-transferrable and you are at the mercy of draconian T&C's. Your friends need to know exactly what they are getting themselves into along with the possible rewards for creative use.

 

And it's worth mentioning USDM have been noticeably stricter with enforcing the rules they've always had. This is making it harder to redeem.

 

US DM miles will become AA miles in the AA freq flyer program. Its just a matter of when. 1 Jan 2015 is a possibility as that is the start of the status year

 

I trust AA even less now. The loss of free stopovers at international gateway cities burned me.

 

Joining is free so just join.

To buy or not to buy miles ..... make a decision after 12 days of joining