Anyone else second guessing buying these given the opportunity to earn EQMs on Alaska CC spend? I've bought in the past, but always thought the $500 for $449.99 deal was somewhat of a wash, given the 5x Amex Platinum MR earning on airline spend and potential other benefits of buying tickets with that card, e.g., delay/cancellation insurance.

I don't have a Costco CC or Executive membership, so that also factors into things for me.