I am not sure of your math in the "$4,000 to get 12,000 Starpoints" comment. Many times their is a 500 pt bonus for online sign ups and AMEX offers 500-1000 bonus starpoints for your 1st 6 stay using their card. So there are many was to increase your points therefore reducing that $4,000 spendind threshold. But i agree that it is an individual comparision skewed by each to fit their preference. I hate Hilton because they have capacity controls for beach properties in the summer and Ski prop in the winter. Whats the point to earning points if you cant stay where you want, when you want to do it. Plus there two Hawaii properties are a joke.( you cant even compare to Starwood or Hyatt).

My humble opinion.