Then you may not be aware that at least some of Choice's brands are improving in steps (for example, the very recent addition of yogurts and hard-boiled -- ie, real -- eggs to Comfort's standard breakfast in the US). Plus you either are not paying on your own dime, or are not a very tight budget. In many places I stay, Choice is half or even one third the price of HHonors properties, and the same for Marriott unless you can get a great LNF rate. I may be able justify moving up to Marriott or HHonors when it's just a few bucks, but I can' justify paying double to triple, sorry.

Plus, Choice hotels in some countries overseas are way nicer than the ones here, making earning 8k points every two or three cheap suburban nights in the US have tremendous value overseas.

Finally, there are locations where there's choice and no Marriott or Hilton, but there is (only) a Choice or Best Western. In the US, often in the town nearest the entrances to major National Parks (Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, etc). Overseas, in much of Scandinavia outside the capitals. (In Choice, for US members, Scandinavia is redemption only, no earning.)