It's a great question and after hearing Delta's news, I'm done with the chase. Time is now my most valuable currency. I'm older, have a family and we travel 4-5x a year leisure and maybe 12-15 business trips max. I'm picking direct flights and will pay for premium economy out of pocket.

The upgrades just don't happen often for me as a Silver or Gold over the years. It's simply not worth it.

I don't even look at the Mileage Run forum anymore as it's quickly become obsolete. And to think I would spend hours in there a decade or so ago. Things change and the airlines want all your money, all your card spend and will devalue more and more. It's close to worthless anyway (status) unless it's the highest tier.

If Southwest actually flew on time, had better service and seats with in seat power and better wifi , they would get all of my business. So for now, you bargain shop and then pay for the added perks that matter. For me, that's a bigger seat. That's all I really care about - a direct flight with a comfortable seat and great wifi/power in seat.