I've just switched to this combo in the past month after having a Plat and Gold. I think it's going to be a good combo for me going forward for the reasons you suggest, however I also find that I am currently missing my Amex Gold card for groceries. (I made the trade off because I am moving overseas in a few months and non-US grocery purchases do not receive a bonus, plus I received a juicy upgrade offer that I could not turn down.) The Plat is not really good for MR earnings except on airfare and occasional bonus point offers that they run, so it's value (to me) really depends on whether you can use the credits and how much you value lounge access and elite hotel benefits.