As you've discovered OP, you definitely need to shop around and make sure you're applying for the best available offer, no matter what. The CC forums on FT are a good place to spot check what's current.
Very few of the points & miles bloggers will even mention if a better, non-affiliate offer is available. Or warn you about other ramifications. Those folks don't have your best interests at heart any more than Target or Honda or United Airlines does - it's a business.
I have occasionally used affiliate links of sites that are trustworthy and that I appreciate reading (and where the offer was just as good). I haven't kept track though to tell you how many.