I am legitimately grateful for everyone's thoughtful replies on this thread... thank you! A couple of specific thoughts:

@Montreal, thank you for your kind words and the warm welcome. You're right, lower expectations lead to lower disappointment. Unfortunately, they also lead to mediocrity. I'm ever optimistic, and truly believe, that people sincerely want to achieve greatness, sometimes they just stumble. If we stop believing they can, they may too. Expectations help motivate performance. Nevertheless, I hear you.

@3Cforme, I agree with you, people should read the T&Cs. In fact, I have. I was referencing the content here https://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefe...ee_nights.html with the direct quote "Free Night Awards with No Blackouts." I also understand the fine print, exclusionary policy attached to the marketing, hence this post. My gripe is more around the requirement of standard rooms in the first place, particularly for elite status, as others have echoed.

@astan100, great idea. Glad you were able to secure the St. Regis SF... it's a beautiful property, IMO!

@dtremit, love your thinking here.

@SanDiego1K, thanks so much for your kind post. I've learned enough to know that there's a lot that I don't know. I sincerely respect the clear knowledge of members of this forum and would be deluding myself to think that I somehow know better than the collective wisdom of a group of experienced travelers. That's what makes this place great. I have definitely learned a lot in the past 24 hours from the group and have clearly had a number of my viewpoints influenced, and even, changed. So thanks!

@myperks, thanks for taking time to respond to each of my questions. You clearly have a lot of experience, and I appreciate your "no BS" attitude!

@Starwood Lurker, et al, thanks for the OP clarification, and thank you for your thoughts. I'm convinced!

This sounds like a big, cheesy love fest. And I don't mean to monopolize the airtime. But seriously, thanks to all. Really great perspectives shared. CK