I somehow forgot to explain the rewards category thing. The points I earned on the Blue Sky card are MR Express points, but now when I log into the AMEX accounts page I have two separate tabs show my MR Express and my MR First points. I only have about 4000express points left, but who likes to throw away points?

As far as the annual fee, I can really only justify it for this year. I am getting married in month and used absolutely every benefit I could find. Doing the free night at Wynn to cover a $399 room that night (only $199 for the second night). Booked a cruise with PTS that came with 2 category upgrade, $100 OBC, and a few other goodies. It also came with a free 7 night stay in Mexico for next year (which is not actually linked to the Plat, but it is AMEX.) I also made sure to book all my flights on one of the carriers with Lounges so I will be making at least 8 stops in those with a companion. I probably can't justify this again next year, but it gives me the opportunity to make a few trips beyond what I would normally go for. I just consider it another wedding gift to myself this year. (maybe I can take back a few overpriced pots and pans to cover it!)