Wow.. what a great conversation... I agree that the comping of status (on airlines/hotels) is getting fustrating to the people who do earn it the "normal way." The good things on airlines, they RARELY comp the highest level (sometimes for Super VIPSs, and if you miss it by maybe 2000 miles,etc)....

The one thing I like about the comps is that you get to try a new brand out at an upgraded level of service. But I believe it should be to the lowest or second lowest level. But it seems hotels operate on a different system than airlines... I would be quite annoyed if someone from american was comped 1K ... it would make me wonder what is the point of loyalty...

What is everyone else's opinion?

(Gotten Gold the hard way)...