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Just a drive-by post, as others likely have better insight, but
I have a Chase Sapphire Reserve and I “combine” it with a Chase Freedom. The Sapphire is quite generous in the food/travel classifications. The Freedom (I had it for years is the only reason I have both) has its own rotating bonus categories, so I’ll use it on those purchases for the maximum point accumulation.
Anything with good rewards is typically going to have a high annual fee. The biggest tip is to make sure you don’t overextend. It’s a bit easier to spend outside your budget when you aren’t watching the money come out of a bank account instantly.
I have had an AMEX platinum for 20 years or so and used it exclusively until about 2 years ago when I got the Chase Saphire.
Besides the initial sign up bonus points, it gives me a much higher return on travel and dining which adds up to a bunch. As for building materials and the like, it's a wash with my amex so what I've done is use Chase for any dining, air fare and hotels while still using Amex for anything else.