I am thrilled that this is one of the few programs I have found that allow 'straight' 1:1 for FF (esp. AA)!

But you have to review what your plans/habits and goals are.

So many programs are eliminating the direct transfer to FF -- developing their own 'travel rewards' programs-- that I find the direct FF trade the most valued, for me!

I was looking to have to trade many Amex rewards points (without a TWA account) and ended up making a spreadsheet of what the various potential hotel programs offered – it was rather wild to actually figure out their conversion rates to airline miles, etc (Bass actually ended up high on the list, something I would not have expected!). It will be up to you to focus on what your goals are, but I could find many programs that would allow me 1:1 (if not better) for hotels, but wanted me to use their travel programs for air -- therefore no direct transfer to FF.

I am far from an 'expert' (and not really a FT, earned only Marriott Plat. by stays), but the attempt to not lose these Amex points has caused me to do much research. Interesting that Hilton was easy to convince to 'merge' my account with my fathers (who has passed away) and AA will cost me $50 to do the same. I would say just decide what you want to do most (stay, fly, spend) and then go from there! Most conversion rates are the pits -- program to program (beyond ClickRewards), so look at all your options and then place the points where you want to go. Heck if you are interested in AA, you can use the click rewards to buy gift certificates and then use them to earn partners!

There are so many options that no one can say what it ‘best’ for YOU. But I can wish you good luck of figuring it out! – I still haven’t figured it for myself!