I carry around 12-14 cards in my wallet, they all serve a purpose. Some get me into Lounges in the airports, some for fuel, travel, etc. I never carry a balance forward and I use Amex for the MR rewards, Chase for the UR rewards, Citi for the City Thank You points and SPG for it's transfer ability to numerous hotel and airline partners.
If you don't think they don't add up to do it right and do your research, you are sorely mistaken. Wife and I took a 10 daytrip across the planet in March to Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Indonesia and did it all on points and in First or Business class. Total out of pocket was around $1k for the whole trip in fees.
I just got back from Mexico for 3 days for 3 people with our Airbnb, total out of pocket was around $150 per person after points. That included the Apartment we rented.
If cashback is your thing then go for an Alliant banking card, if travel is your cup of tea, then take Tcannon's advice that CSR card is solid and has great domestic transfer partners.
Here is us on St. Patty's day in the Singapore Airlines Private Room lounge, you can only get into here by flying on the A380 in first class. Yep rocking that $5 Walmart shirt for the $8000 flight that costs me only a few hundred for some fees. Cheers

Only 2 things that money can't buy, thats true love and homegrown tomatoes.