I need to read up on the rules, but I think the upgrade bonus DH received for the Brilliant disqualifies him the chase cards but not the Amex biz.
I think we will also play the upgrade/downgrade game with that card.
If my calculations are correct, in 3 years we will pay $570 in fees, $0 year 1, $95 year 2 & $ 475 for the brilliant (holding on to it for 13 months). Earned 75K SPG SUB, one 35K certificate, one 50K certificate, 125K upgrade bonus, $600 Marriott credits and $100 GE credit. Plus all the other benefits from the Brilliant, it's our only premium card.
I hope we can continue to keep Amex happy.