I am also an HHonors Gold, and was sent an unsolicited comped SPG Gold membership a few months ago. I decided to try some Starwood properties (for the first time) and I'm never going back. I don't dislike Hiltons, they are just my second choice now.

I also think the fact that SPG has an offical lurker here on FT to assist us speaks volumes about their attitude toward customer relations. This gives them a much better pulse on what the heavy travellers like us are thinking/wanting.