Well I can't speak to Golds getting upgraded and lounge access.

But I can tell you that if your used to Europe and Asia Hilton lounges you'll be very disappointed with USA lounges. I travel primarily for business overseas and when I do stay in a USA Hilton and go to the lounge I usually chuckle to myself.

Overseas lounge - alcohol, snacks, sometimes cooked food, cheese, crackers, lots of drinks, full hot breakfast and usually full time lounge attendants

USA lounge - bucket of soda/water cans/bottles, some cookies, maybe some food for an hour, continental breakfast, someone stops by every couple of hours if they think about it.