I'm in the same boat, and will finish the platinum challenge this month. With just 47 stays so far towards lifetime status and only being first year in... I figure I will average 35 to 45 nights a year... and I figure the 'overage' i need will be about 5 to 12 nights a year I may end up 'throwing' away or giving away...for a net $1200/yr 'extra' to maintain this priviledge...or about 12k to 15k 'extra' over next ten years (in today's dollars) for this lifetime priviledge.... I'd be 46yrs old by that time... and paying for this out of my own pocket