While I agree that it should clearly be identified on the Starwood site which rates qualify and which do not, I have no problem with the notion that the cheapest rates and particularly those prepaid "agency" ones -- including last minute non-Starwood and Priceline, etc. -- do not earn credits or points. There is a cost to maintaining this program and that is met in part by the price we pay for our stay. If the rate we get is so low, and so far below the market rate, then something must be given up, and in this case it is points and stay credits. At least Starwood provides you with your Gold or Platinum benefit during the stay, so I have problems with taking the thing any further than that. You get what you pay for, as the old adage goes, and in this case it is not going to be points and credits...