Starwood has a problem for me in that if I don't get a suite upgrade, and the property is one without a lounge, I've really gotten nothing. And this is what has happened to the OP. Hyatt, on the other hand, offers breakfast and free internet to its top elites on every stay. So regardless of my room upgrade, it is very clear to me that I have received something tangible in reward for my status. I truly think that Starwood needs to consider some benefit for elites such as breakfast or internet so that we indeed walk away from every stay having received something of value. Still, I stay loyal to Starwood because of wonderful suite upgrades I have received, predominantly in Asia and Europe. For those who travel predominantly or solely in the US, it is of little comfort for me to extoll at length the suite I had at the Imperial in Vienna or the W in Hong Kong.

My travel is largely discretionary, and I can target Starwood properties in and out of the US that have received raves on FT. Think Diplomat in Florida. ttrltb, if your travel allows, pick some properties carefully that have great reputations on FT as being plat friendly to see if you can change around your experience.