Hilton has one thing going for it as it devalues our points.

FTers in this forum who pretty much don't care very much. Eight pages of essentially bland posts in nearly as many days, which is pitifully low compared to the Marriott fury that was unleashed when MR devalued one year ago.

Many Marriott loyalists bolted (me included). Which is why Marriott has had some amazing promotions over the past few months (they're thinking it's the economy--while loyal travelers know "it's mostly about the devaluation, stupid").

Anyhow--if Hilton just looks at FTers reaction to their proposed devaluation in this thread--they'll go ahead with a huge sense of relief since only the minority have said they'll move their business elsewhere if the devaluation comes to pass.

Let me make a daring proposal to Hilton. Divide our accounts into two. Points earned prior to devaulaton and those after. Just like United did many years ago when they increased the mileage requirement for a standard coach award....

Old points remain subject to the old reward chart; new points fall under the new. At least those of us who were silly enough to place huge loyalty with Hilton can use our previously earned points as we intended. And moving forward, transfer our patronage to chains that REALLY appreciate our business during the downturn without sticking it to us.