I've been cautious as well. But must say that my last 2 flights have had outstanding crews who were more polite and professional than any I've had on any airline in a long time! Reminded me of the old Midwest actually.

Since I don't do balance transfers, the 40000 isn't enough. It needs to come with something else. Onboard discount, drink certs (now that I don't get those as ascent), or something else to add value. 50000 without transfers or waived annual fee would also get me to bite. I keep lots of other cards for the added value, but the f9 one just doesn't have anything right now. And when flights from den are so cheap, when would I use the miles???