It's a shame you got such negative replies, I've only been collecting for 12 months and remember very well how overwhelming all the info was at first, so I see no harm in saving someone else the trouble. I have managed to collect over 1million miles in that time and I found headforPoints to be a great resource. Just a quick bit of info, if you phone and sign up with Amex over the phone you will receive between 1000 and 5000 less miles than if you sign up with a referral link, so maybe ask amex your questions and then head back over here to the amex forum for a referral. My personal favourite cards are the platinum card because of all the travel benefits (although most of my friends think I'm crazy for paying £450 for a credit card) and the BA premium for the 241. Hope you get sorted and the negative replies haven't put you off asking anything else you may want to know.