I'm sure there is good feedback somewhere on here but I can't readily spot anything - don't flame me!

I am considering dumping AX Plat and going to Venture X (need PP pass)

Since the 5X points for airline purchases has to be through the portal, wanted to get some feedback:

Search pricing? (for example, AX has the intl airline program which sounds good but deals are few and far between, beyond that I can usually find a better deal searching google flights and then going straight to the carrier, which to me is always preferred.

Other issues with booking through C1? Airlines schedule changes, voluntary changes, getting FF credit, etc.

Of course AX has 5X for airline purchases without restriction but I'm retiring soon and with them kicking us out of the Delta club don't plan to pay their $695

C1 sounds like a good deal as it is effectively $95 for PP after airline credit, but don't see myself getting the sign-on bonus if I can't find a good deal on a business class ticket on the portal.

You can't try out the portal to see if it is any good without an account so any feedback would be appreciated.

I have an immediate need to book a flight on airlink which would get me the $300 credit but don't know if I can book that through C1.