Re: #2, I'm dubious about getting the CC, getting enough spend on it, and having it close before the end of the year.

If you already have one WN card, I'd do a mix of MS, heavy portal shopping, and point transfers. All depending on how bad you want that CP for 2014.

If you don't need it right away it might better to wait until 1/1 to get the WN card, then get two and qualify for the CP thru 2015.