I agree. CR should stick to rating products and services that consumers have a hard time evaluating for themselves. It's not hard to look at award charts, partnership arrangements and the airline route maps. Then, decide which program is right for you based on your travel patterns.

This reminds me of the food product taste tests they often do. So, more people liked Diet Pepsi than Diet Coke -- what do I care? I have more expertise in determining which tastes better to me. Tell me which washing machines are most reliable.