I got rid of my Gold when I got mad at Amex for promising 4X points for a big charge, then reneging. I then got a green because of the 60K offer (which also came with a nice hotel credit). But I'm still using Chase for my restaurant charges, as I value those points more highly than Amex. I don't know if I'll be willing to pay the annual fee a second year without any way to reduce it. Maybe I could buy a LoungeBuddy pass for a family member?

When I got rid of the gold, I started using the Blue Cash Everyday for groceries @ 3% cash back. Use if for gas, too (except right now, when gas is a bonus category on my Chase Freedom Flex). So that could be an option.