We fly out of SFO and UA is almost always the most convenient, non-stop and one of the lower cost options. I have small children so direct flights trump lounges on layovers. Other than Hilton at Waikiki (see above kids), we have no loyalty to particular hotel brand (although I previously had family with Hyatt discount, and have booked with my Chase UR transfers). We usually fly economy+, 2x/year for family of 4, and 3x solo, and stay at reasonable 4* hotels.

Our current spending is split between my Chase trifecta (CSP+CF+CFU), my wife's AMEX Gold for grocery & dining, AND various cash back cards such as US Bank Cash+ for utilities, Target, Costco, and Citi DC. I have found UR to be easier to redeem than MR. I know about using MR transfer to Aeroplan for UA flights, but it sounds like work and unreliable availability (see kids and school breaks). I became Team Rewards when CSR offer 100K, but other than a business class seat to Asia (pre-kids), the points have not been that mind-blowing. I have done a lot of "research" on the CC rewards topic, but I never come across our situation. But there are a lot of us, family with kids, so maybe this game is not for us?

Is AMEX MR a good fit for our circumstances? Should I leave Team Travel Rewards (i.e. Chase) altogether? However, I'm also considering United Quest because of the 2 free luggage round trip + airline credit cover the AF. Thanks.