Personally I think cash back is pretty good. The transfer partners are at risk of devaluations, and who knows what travel restrictions can be abruptly imposed.

If you want to buy travel, paying cash is ok, since generally fares are low, and you'll potentially have some travel protections if you use a card other than Citi, although don't expect COVID issues to be covered now.

Not sure how / why Citi thinks gift cards are of any use when there is a 1cpp redemption in cash.