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I don't have an airline credit card, and I'm not an airline employee. I prefer the cash back version. Considering how easily miles can be devalued based on program rule or availability changes, saving airline miles for a long-term future use is probably not a great idea.

Add the total costs of the mileage card: annual fee + opportunity cost of money not earned had it been a cash rewards type card, and you can calcualte how much that free ticket will actually cost you.

If your goal is to fly confirmed first class to Australia, it might make sense to get the card. If you want to give a family member a coach ticket to Chicago, get a cash rewards card, pocket the rewards and saved annual fee, and just buy them the ticket.