Always good to see other FTers' detailed strategies. I am considering moving to a cash back card because I have plenty of miles which keep being devalued (kinda sounds like cash ).

Meanwhile, I think the airline cards, with various bonus offers are not an unreasonable way to go--you can still do and almost free international C or F with some flexibility. Of course, if you want to go to Oahu ...

I haven't been to Saks in many years--since they gave me a hard time on a $20 return. As to Merrill, haven't thought about it. Had an account there years ago and found the commission charges out of line. Do you need to trade to get their card?

As for Blue, when I give up on mileage cards that may be the way I'll go. Seems to have less tricks hidden in the fine print than Discover or some of the others which tout cashback.

Now, if Amex would only abandon its efforts to crush its customers, Constitutional right to a jury trial with mandatory binding arbitration ...