Rewards Cards Linked To Unmanageable Levels Of Wealth

The insidious proliferation of rewards credit cards has, it seems, inadvertently thrust an unthinkable burden upon the modern consumer: an almost unmanageable surplus of wealth. Imagine the crushing weight of too many 'free' flights, the existential angst of an overflowing points balance, simply begging to be redeemed for luxury experiences one never *asked* for but now feels somehow *obligated* to endure.

This novel form of affluence stands in stark contrast to the rather uncomplicated financial landscapes of yesteryear. One can only pity the 19th-century coal miner, unburdened by the mental gymnastics of maximizing 3x points on dining or strategizing optimal sign-up bonuses. Their struggles, while undeniably challenging, at least lacked the profound psychological complexity of deciding between a complimentary suite at a luxury hotel or a first-class upgrade on a flight.

Indeed, the relentless accumulation of airline miles and hotel points forces a continuous, exhausting engagement with the very fabric of global tourism. To manage such opulence, to navigate the endless labyrinth of 'exclusive offers' and 'tiered benefits,' is a form of gilded suffering arguably demanding more resilience than a full day chipping away at anthracite. A truly harrowing predicament for our times.