Ok - I THINK I understand - w/ SPG it is an "either/or" proposition...you either have nights OR stays.

I actually do more "stays" than nights (based on the SPG definition ) so I think that would be my option....

Do you "pick" one up front, or do you just automatically qualify on whatever combination you hit first?

And bigguy - thanks for the recommendation re status match request....but - am I incorrect in thinking that the match I would get would be to SPG Gold...which if there isn't lounge access, is there a major benefit? I have to admit that I am kind of funny about (asking for) status I haven't earned.....