I didn't quote your whole message, but as a current Gold (have been Diamond off and on) in HH and current Platinum in MR, I think you overstated the HH benefits a bit.

You failed to mention that HH has their "My Way" on-property benefits where as a Gold, you choose whether you want, for example, breakfast or points, not both.

I also disagree with your experience with the respective property's telephone CSRs. I find the MR group to be slightly ahead of the HH group (even when I was Diamond). Neither were really horrible.

HH has more points earning opportunities but when you go to redeem, you will find the equivalent HH property requires more points than the MR property. The new HH "premium awards" are outrageously expensive.

The "Diamond Force" used to be a really great feature and could be used for award stays. I actually used it once but it required that reservations ask the hotel directly and the reply took several days. As mentioned earlier, this has been watered down by the "premium awards". For paid stays, the Diamond Force works pretty much like MR's Platinum Guarantee - in that there are no guarantees.

Both programs have their advantages and disadvantages, as do their respective properties. If HH meets your personal needs better then go for it. These are marketing programs to steer your business. No program is perfect.