For us who read fine prints and do math ourselves, yes, it is not hard to figure out. BTW that spreadsheet is useful to compare the three.

However, many people don't read fine prints very well and don't even know the $6.5K threshold. They only find out when they start doing math. And Amex always markets that 5% to get new customers. Just like Discover markets 5% cash back on its Discover More. That is what i call misleading.

For your situation, the old Blue Cash wins. But for many others, especially if they use the card for bonus categories only and have big grocery spending, the new BCP could be more valuable. Back in the days when Blue Cash offers 1.5% on general spending after $6.5K, it was a great card for people who like cashback and carry just one card (well you need a VIsa/MC backup for places that don't take Amex). People apply tier burning strategies to get into the sweet zone sooner. But it was never easy and not for everyone. After Amex reduced it to 1.25% it became much less attractive, especially when Charles Schwab and Fidelity came out with 2% cards.