The increased redemption requirements really turned me away from Hilton. I remain Diamond only because Hilton offered a targeted opportunity to requalify with around 7 stays this year. The Surpass card doesn't change the calculus much. 9 near-worthless points per dollar vs. 6 with my standard card isn't significant improvement. I score most points through transfering from other programs, plus the occasional Hilton bonus.

Hilton points, worth less than 0.5 cents each, can't be compared with Starwood points worth over 2.0 cents each.

The Priority Club Rewards program is much better than HHonors. You get way more bonus points if you work the codes, top Platinum status can be achieved with fewer than 10 stays per year, and most redemptions are 25K points or less per night, every night. Hilton's lame Point Stretchers are usually only offered on weekend nights at properties where the paid rate is $100 or less for those nights.