@noob2chess #2
With white having firm e5 control I didn't think e6e5 would be possible soon. At some point I wanted to take on d4 to have the semi open c file, and then push for b5-b4 and b4xc3, which resembles a minority attack like in the QGD opening.
In that case the semi open c file puts some more pressure on c3.
Rfc8 has another little advantage : black can play Bd7-e8 after white plays Nf3-e5.
In itself this plan is a bit tricky because cxd4 gives white the semi open e file, which means :
* more e5 control
* rook lifts like Rf1-e1-e3-g3 or to h3.
* the f2-f4-f5 gains some strength due to the possible pressure on e6
This (semi open e file for white) plays very easily for white.
If black can manage to survive a white attack vs. the kingside, then black has usually fairly good winning chances on the queenside.
Ra8-c8 would probably have been fine as well.