I do the point for a day. I either play 5NL rush or 5NL 5 card draw.
I personally skip the freeroll (The freeroll hits rackback). I turn the ticket in to get the medals (15). When I have 20 medals I buy a Step 1 ticket (3.30 BI).
I then take that ticket and proceed to roll it up to a step 3 ticket (26 BI). Now I like to play in 6 man SNG version. Worse case, try to at least shoot for 4th place. This gets you at least 2.70 (IIRC). Even if you putter out still better then the first couple cash spots in the Freeroll. The other perk is you'll be gaining rackback and getting the point for the day.
When I get a Step 3 ticket, I look for a cash version game so I can cash it on. This is the first level you can do that with these tickets. At this point usually Matrix 9-man SNG are going on. I tend to play these with my ticket.
Last month, I made a little over 40 dollars playing in the matrix SNG. Good for my standards, but not the "OH MY" type of thing. I do this to build the
bankroll while learning. I feel that I spend less time doing it this way and less aggravating then playing in the freeroll.
it works for my micro style of play. Might not for yours, but I figured I'd share.