I'd have to agree with you there - Preferred Plus seems to undermine the entire Gold status. Except for the bonus points, joining AAA has basically the same benefits. Starwood made a mistake when they did this one. Some benefits for AAA members are fine, but they need to rework it so there is more of a difference between the two levels.
Edited because of spelling.
[This message has been edited by Cory6188 (edited 07-11-2003).]