There have been numerous threads and responses by William (Starwood Lurker) to confirm that no-shows do not count as a stay. Sometimes it may happen, but it is not supposed to.

Starwood Platinum - available at only 20 stays - is very easily attainable. This is *W's top tier, and I for one hope the do not pull a 'United', and start comp-ing people. This is what makes Platinum so very nice. *W Gold is still generous with bonus points and they do tream these quite nice as well.