I certainly wish that Marriott, Hilton and either IC, Sheraton or Hyatt would just go ahead and have similar benefits for top tier earners. I realize you can status match but Im talking them upping the ante a bit. Hilton had by far the best promotion last year in Q3 IMHO. I also like that fact that as a Diamond Member, I get a free Breakfast and am often upgraded. Marriott does the same but without the Breakfast in my case (perhaps your different). In my case, Sheraton and Hyatt just don't have enough properties in the area I travel so I am left with IC, Hilton & Marriott. IC frankly which has a lot of unexciting, plain hotels in my area that squat.

I just wish all the programs would take a serious look at what the other is offering us as travelers and standardize. It would be great to have all of this at any of the major chains: free internet, free breakfast, good upgrades, dollars and points, miles and points, so forth and so on.

The point about the hotels not matching up is also a great point because I too find Hamptons to be on the same level as Fairfield and HI Express. Personally I am a big fan of HGI and Courtyards despite their upgrades, tend to feel "tired" to me. Give me a full service Hilton, Marriott or Crown Plaza anytime but where I travel, I unfortunately just don't have many of those to choose from.

As a Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond and HI Gold member now, I am opting to just go with the best promotion offered plain and simple and when I need Airline points, I tend to stay with Marriott during those 50K mile promotions and use points and miles at Hilton on other promotions. (some times you need miles, some time points and I love Hiltons double dip)

If they would just go back 30 +/- years ago where Holiday Inn offered the best program ever: (Stay 50 nights, go anywhere free on their dime for 7 nights).....(It Won't Happen ever again!) I went for 100 to 150 nights during that time or 3 worldwide trips airfare and hotel paid for! ^^^
SUCH A DEAL.