+1 to lounge access as the key benefit. Also easier to keep mid level status with more than one hotel via the fast tracks. Have used AMEX for trip delay/cancel and had no problem collecting on the insurance. I have moved to a non-affiliated with an airline, hotel Plat for max flexibility on where to move points. My advice- try it and if you don't like the Plat, you can make your way down the value chain to the other cards.