Originally Posted by
olouie
I think it seems like more people "game" the credit card system then really do because people who read and post on flyertalk are more into the points / status / benefits thing than the general population.
I tell a lot of my coworkers and friends about the companion pass and the credit card options and so far only 1 has actually done it. People are mostly hesitant to sign up for new credit cards with annual fees unless they are really going to make use of it... much less sign up for two cards with annual fees.
I think this is a very accurate, under-appreciated point. I've explained my hobby and the CP to probably 100 people in moderate detail in the last year. At some point the discussion invariably steers to how easy it is for them to get a CP, if they'd like. I tell 'em two credit cards and move their regular spending to to the cards for a couple months. Free flights for two anywhere in the US.
Of all the people that I've explained this to, only one has signed up for a SW CC. And he did only sign up for one.
Hanging out in the FT forums does present a disproportionate number of double WN CC signer-uppers.