The 50% point redemption is a tie-breaker for me, but do agree with you that I am having a harder time to choose Courtyards. I find myself favoring Fairfield Inns over Courtyards; FIs have come a long way in closing the gap with CYs and short of a closet, there are many FIs I've been too that seemed identical (or even superior) to CYs. The free breakfasts that FIs offer is also a plus.