I want other options available. I'm currently a LT Starwood Gold; would like to be LT Starwood Plat. That will allow me to pick and choose the best between Marriott and Starwood. I'd like to also have LT Hyatt Diamond but I don't see that as a realistic goal.

For instance, I stayed at the JW San Fran and the Marriott Fishermans Wharf. Disappointed with both locations; nothing at all special. Now with status with Starwood, I can also look at their properties in a location where Marriott falls short.

There are Marriotts that I will always consider booking such as the JW Lima (Peru), Ren Lodge at Sonoma (CA), Eden Roc Ren Miami Beach, JW Las Vegas (off strip but always given a large beautiful 2 room suite). I won't rule Marriotts out but I no longer give them my business just to get another night credit.

I no longer have to stay at a Fairfield Inn just to get my night credit for Plat status. I can have just a few annual stays at aspirational Marriotts while maintaining Plat status/treatment and use Starwood or Hyatt for the 'grind'/night credit when I just need a place to stay. And if there are properties who are skimpy on the Plat upgrades, they simply won't get my business.