You can PC to the "plain Sapphire" without an AF if you don't need the CSP anymore. Otherwise I'd say the Freedom still has value because I don't think the categories overlap all 4 quarters every year with Discover. But I've definitely seen case where both had groceries or gas stations in the same quarter.
Yeah it's a dumbed down CSP with less perks and no AF. I'd PC it to the FU or Freedom before I PC'd it to plain Sapphire honestly. It's funny you mention this because this is exactly what I've been thinking about as well -- open CSP later this year (Nov/Dec) and run through $4000 for the bonus, then SD card and PC it at the 10 month mark to something with no AF and I'd actually use, most likely the Freedom.
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Yup, that was my plan last may. Only thing I may have done differently if I could go back would be to go with the CSR instead, as to possibly secure a greater starting limit over the CSP. At the time I applied for the CSP though there were reports of some people obtaining a 70,000 point bonus when applying in branch which is what I attempted but only got the 50,000 points anyway.
Ha great minds think alike! It honestly boils down to whether $150 is worth it for the potential@ to have a higher starting limit. Part of me says yes, part of me says no, so right now I say @#$! it and I'll revisit this when the time comes.