To answer the OP, its not over, go after hotel cards if you wish, many are ripe for the picking. Perhaps you should just wait it out and let your score strengthen for upcoming offers. With regards to the blogs, I have to say that I read Rick's and Brian's blog everyday and appreciate all that they do. I don't see eye to eye on all their postings (Rick's recent Costco and Kiva), but I will otherwise continue to support these blogs because they both have good intentions and more often than not have resourceful info. As with many of you...patiently waiting and reloading for another round.