Your argument is a complete fail. You can't debate without providing a factual basis for your assertion (which there isn't even one). Rewards CC point/mile accumulation is a complete YMMV situation based on business affiliations, home airports, personal preference, etc and most important: what you can redeem them for. I can redeem MR points for over 3c during holidays. You can't beat that with a Barclay's 2% card and bringing up Chase URs or Citi TYP is irrelevant as that is also based on redemption. You're talking to someone that he and his wife MS on non-marriott cards in the hundreds of thousands. Getting 1.5c on Travel and Food (based on TPG valuations) and the $3k/night is a good return.