IHG is playing a catch up game here, although good for members, perhaps a little bit too slow and too late.

Free Internet, Reward nights count towards elite status, and roll over nights to next year, are all existing features of Marriott Rewards.

What they didn't say is - the current upgrade policy will be changed next year as well.

I've just done a busy trip in the Far East, Platinum no longer receive club rooms in China HIs - this has been confirmed by a number of HIs. In my memory, they always upgrade Plat to Club without asking, but not this time. Questioned, and each time been told "once the new elite policy is in place, the upgrade policy will be changed in 2014".