Most of my stays are in Europe; Diamond for 5 years. I have noticed less of the specialness this year. I have had one stay this year was I was downgraded, and was told it was because I was on a reward stay. Very weak lounges, and even told lounge access was my upgrade. I think some hotels are trying to cut back and bending the perks for Diamonds is how they can do it. I was around 95% upgrades until this year. I had SPG match me this year for 2 reasons, 1. the rolling calendar going away. 2. Made Diamond for next year back in May.. why would I keep racking up status nights and stays if they will go to zero in Jan.. I have been Platinum with SPG and I have been upgraded everytime, and over 70% to suites, twice to Presidential suites. I will say there is still some good Diamond perks, and some hotels do care about it.. but I do feel less special this year.