The Reserve card could be useful if the OP often finds himself/herself right on the cusp of getting an upgrade, but otherwise it's not worth the cost for this benefit alone. However, IMO the package of benefits (which are different in significant ways, so choose carefully) from either the Reserve card or a regular AmEx Plat charge card is extremely useful/valuable for DL high level FFers to have at least one of these cards. [Unlike many bloggers, I have no financial incentive to make such a statement.]