Buying some points sure sounds like a good idea to me. But I'd go BAL - CHI in coach for something like $88 then CHI - RNO in a roomette on AGR. I'd do it this way for a couple of reasons, first BAL-CHI appears to be slightly cheaper than DEN-RNO in coach. Second off, I'll bet you'd enjoy stepping up in accommodations rather than stepping down.
Make no mistake, coach is OK, but a roomette with its flat bed, darker and quieter nights, and included meals is much nicer.
Make no mistake, coach is OK, but a roomette with its flat bed, darker and quieter nights, and included meals is much nicer.