Without addressing your many points there is one very big fly in the ointment. When you transfer SPG points into most frequent flyer programs you get one FF mile for each SPG point transfered. However, with Continental and United it takes TWO SPG points to get one FF mile. If you plan to fly Continental or United you are much better off with AMEX cards that earn Membership Rewards points or one of the Chase Continental cards. Other than those two domestic airlines, the SPG card is the best card to use. (Transfer 20000 SPG points and get 25000 FF miles.