About ten years ago, "gold credit cards" were created and only given to people with high income or good credit. Then people start asking for it for its status... The result? Everyone has a gold MC or Visa card these days as long as he has a job with steady income. You also see many no-fee "gold card" with no benefits.

About five years ago, an extra level of frequent flyer tier was created by airlines because of people's request. The lowest level (known as silver in many programs) very shortly got reduced to a mere name with no benefit. In fact, many airlines do NOT allow priority check-in, boarding, or upgrade these days for this lowest elite status any more. Another victim of ego marketing.

About few weeks ago, hotels such as Hilton and Starwood start to give comp gold levels to anyone who askes (eg, comp programs or promotional codes)... needless to say, things will be downhill from that point on. This is seen so many times from the unavoidable side-effect of ego marketing. Just wait and see. Soon hotels will raise points redemption requirement and lower upgrade opportunities.

Yes, I like to express my opinions on a public bulletin board, just like you too. My previous post was based on an observation, and not intended for any personal attack. I do not know this person and apologize for any hard feelings that this may bring. However, I do maintain my position on my remarks on how people these days would do for silly things like this.