@ ktravelbear: From the question you asked I learned that you travel on your own dime and therefore I assume that spending money is a restriction. Besides that what said before:

• How many nights will you stay away from home/year?
• Whats the amount of money you have in mind to spend/night?
• Are you more recognition (= tier) or more rewards (= points) orientated?

IMO if you decide to join the crowd in trying to beat the system you need include BRG claims (as mentioned opaque sites offer good value for money)into your portfolio and you have to be very careful not to spend more than aimed.