SEA_Tigger,
I can't tell whether you agree or disagree with me
I understand (and completely agree) that one of the best benefits of Flyertalk is sharing the wealth. I have benefited, like every other person that uses FT, from Flyertalk (otherwise we all wouldn't be here). But like many people, I don't think its always wise to post all the tricks of travel.
Certainly the Mileage Run forum has some of the best travel deals ever posted, but in reality, the really good ones, such as the ones where you can get 25K+ EQMS for under 500 bucks, aren't always posted - may they are posted once because someone has figured out an amazing thing (ex. Baht Run).
Everyone here knows how to find a hotel on Expedia or Travelocity or Hotels.com and comparison shop. The tools are there. For the most part, we all know how to find and price hotel room stays - specifics (a.k.a. identifiers) aren't necessary.
Just my 2 cents...
Edited to add (as well as formatting) - that certain promos, such as the
50K, comped Gold, in my opnion are good promos have information spread about from the hotel's stand point. Airlines are different than hotels when it comes to hotels - there are only so many airline choices out there that you can fly on - whereas with hotels, there are a ton of options and that extra 1-2 points per dollar spent is minimal in terms of cost in relation to what a comped Gold can bring in terms of revenue. If I had Gold Status with Hilton (comped) and no status with Marriott, SPG, Hyatt, or any other hotelier, I would probably stay at a Hilton over any other property based on the fact that there's the smallest hope for an upgrade, even though my stay may only be for 1 night while in transit. Those are promos that increase revenue, the best rate guarantees (and the Baht Runs & Bora Bora & $20 fares to Europe) don't increase revenue, they decrease it. Which is why its not necessary to share specifics.
Edited to remove a sentence that didn't need to be made public.
[This message has been edited by bhatnasx (edited Dec 09, 2003).]