I recently received the fee version, but realize that it will not be worth it to me
for additional years at 89.

I would at that point however want the no fee version and the choice will be whether to cancel the card and apply later (how much later??? this is the main question) and get 20000 points, worth 220 in travel to me, or to request a downgrade in the card and forego the additional points

I will have put perhaps 2500 dollars on the card in the first year. My track record with barclays is that of a churner, a couple of us airways cards, a recent
rejection on another us airways card.

The no fee arrival card will be a keeper for me -- I plan on getting out of the card and points obsession (but still want the last present). Unless barclays comes up with some new hotel or airline card I hope to be out .