I have great luck with the upgrades.... and breakfast.
Fountainblue gave us four breakfast certs., Seattle Downtown, Hawaiian Villiage, Dulles, Various Hamptons, Doubletrees. No complaints.
My yearly count is low as Priceline stays never counted. I didn't expect points, but tried to have my HH# added. The front desk must hate priceline as it is never added.
I do cough up enough for the paid stays. I do find Value, so it's worth it.