What is it about America and the psychology of the recession? Is it because of all the gloom and doom media reports? In my world travels away from America, I still see pretty well occupied hotels and restaurants. But when I recently visited LA I was shocked at how so many people are afraid to spend or be seen spending. Mind you Beverly Hills was still busy.
I hope that Starwood marketing looks at the real global numbers and thinks before they do something ridiculous like give away free status or dilute in any way this great program.
If anything, I would prefer they make it harder to reach Platinum.