Firewind, accumulated points in loyalty programs are counted as a liability on corporate books. That's why many programs take them away on dormant accounts ... it increases quarterly profits on the balance sheet.
If you'd like to read a wonkish article on some of the accounting rules, here's a link:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfr...lyer-programs/
This is why I put the caution that Hyatt could enforce this policy in the future.
I'm sure that there are similar accounting rules for the hotel programs.