I agree with your assessments, so much so, I went and investigated the Ritz Card (long time holder of Chase Bonvoy cards downgraded to Bold) and captive of United at EWR. The reimbursement for airline expenses via Chase would not be my cup of tea although I agree that if you can get it to work for you, the 85K certificate for $150 is great.

Other perks of Ritz card are great but duplicative of our holding the JPM Reserve, so no go for us, but if others can get it to work, more power to them.

I personally don't have an issue with the dining credit, although I preferred the previous Marriott credit -- I agree about breakage, but most people can find a use for the dining credit per month -- most on these boards eat out at the very least once a month.

Also agree with you about Aspire card as having been best card bar none. That is why we had 4 and now hold 3 between us -- awaiting the changes, but don't think they will be as drastic as Marriott -- just think that at this stage, Marriott has declined precipitously as customer focused company -- even for elites -- having to jump thru many hoops to get certificate extensions. Yes, Hilton has a shorter leash on those, but their certificate is better and easier to use and they did not start as customer friendly as Marriott. Moreover, some proposed changes to Aspire would be beneficial -- move away from using credit at only resorts, etc. Finally, they gave us the Aspire card in its earlier incarnation, so more pleasantly disposed to them as this card was a steal! Marriott seems to nickel and dime at every chance, and heaven help you if you are a Platinum or higher and you find yourself at a Marriott non-resort property (as opposed to a former SPG hotel) on a weekend where the lounge is closed for whatever reason = no breakfast for you!

Hilton may have downgraded the breakfast credit, but in some circumstances -- as above, you get the surprise upon checking in, that there is no complimentary breakfast for you, just a lousy 1,000 Marriott points!