As noted, if you don't plan to get other UR earning cards to go with it, CSP is not your best option.
As far as the prices, if you are someone who holds out for discounts/specials - the portal won't match those. It does match current fares, though - no markup.
@CreditSage wrote: "I'm not that well versed in the transfer schemes. ... My perspective has always been, "okay great, you get these points but then the hotel, airfare, or rental car cost more to begin so what's the gain?" Am I wrong in this thinking?"
Yes. Points (MR or UR or TY or whatever) can be a tricky thing. With some CU programs I have been with, what you said is true. Points weren't always worth 1 cent per point, depending on how you choose to redeem.
However, with the big lender programs like AMEX, Chase, and Citi which give you ability to transfer points to travel partners, the dynamics change. Those points can become much more valuable than their pure cash value. You can't REDEEM them for that higher value in cash money, but if you're looking to upgrade to higher cabin travel by airlines or nicer hotel rooms, it seems they pay off the best. Basically, they pay best when they help enhance your travel experience, so it's a different way of thinking about value. The value of the points also varies by airline or hotel chain, so YMMV and it takes some work to make sure you are getting a satisfactory value, which is purely subjective.
So it's all about what you value. If you're a pure cash-back consumer and economy traveler and you want simplicity of redemption, you might not appreciate the large points programs as well or get more value from them.
