Yup, similar experience here w/the higher membership levels -- just wasn't as much value as expected. But the basic elements of 1) really good customer servic

Yup, similar experience here w/the higher membership levels -- just wasn't as much value as expected. But the basic elements of 1) really good customer service w/typically zero hold times, 2) solid support for disputes vs the typical dismissive approach elsewhere, 3) long-term data availability (which is also a key Amazon feature), 4) points program that is really low-hassle and high usability, all make it worthwhile to prioritize AmEx, even with the basic level. I'm also surprised that AmEx is going downmarket, but I suspect that has more to do with being able to keep merchants on board vs really wanting those customers.