I read the article [1] because I was dubious about the potential cost/benefit given that I pay zero dollars in interest on my cards (I pay the statement balance every month), and I found that the benefit is for rewards programs.
My understanding is that rewards programs are an arms race: the merchants cover the extra rewards amount. That means that they're bundling the cost of rewards into their products anyhow and charging you for the "pleasure" of getting your money back. If you can get in on it before the costs rise to the full amount of the reward, then other people subsidize your reward by purchasing the cost-adjusted product without getting rewards. I'll pass on paying $450 to further that, no cost-benefit required.
1) http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/13/business/dealbook/credit-c...