I just checked my schedule for next week, and I should have sufficient stays for Diamond by mid-Aug. So far this year the nice upgrades automatically appeared about 70% of the time and with check-in counter begging I have managed to get lounge access and/or upgraded rooms, where available, for the remaining 30%. The lounges seem better too.

MUCH better than previous years. Even the points, miles and bonuses appear more quickly on the statements.