Just applied for the card based on comments in this forum and also in the AMEX forum. Looks like a pretty good deal! I was looking for another alternative to my Plat. and Starwood AMEX cards. Had previously used either the UA MP Visa (will probably cancel when it is up for renewal) or the Orbitz Juniper Visa card.

Merrill Lynch card would be even better if BA was my preferred international airline. Might have to see how the free companion ticket thing works but i am sure it will have to be a full Y ticket to get the free ticket. If that is the case, it won't be that great considering you can usually purchase two lower booking class tickets cheaper than you can purchase a Y class ticket for.

Basically I am trying this thing out, since there is no annual fee. I will try to do at least 20k with them so I get a 1 night Ritz voucher. That would be worth it considering that you have to spend at least 35k to get a free Ritz night with AMEX Plat for the low end Ritz properties.