I very much like the piece of plastic in my hand, this is for several practicle reasons:

1) I will loose the number if it is e-mailed.
2) If I don't loose the number I will forget I ever registered.
3) I have a 'business card' folder with all my FF scheme cards in, which my Travel Arranger holds. That way I don't have to bother about cards at all. But if there is no card there is no way she would remember a number from an e-mail.

I really appreciate those schemes which include a prober card in the application form. I strongly dislike those schemes who say they will send you a card after you have made a number of flights.

Now, what I would really like to see is a scheme which automatically sends you two cards. One for your secretary/travel arranger to hold and one for you when you travel.

Nick