I agree. I will receive 2 of the cat 5's and likely will book them in Toronto before the hotels increase in May to a Category 6.

Of course, if I have to cancel the trip, I will be out of luck.

I do hope MR recognizes the devaluation of the standard Cat 1-4 certs once their new rates go into effect on 5/16/13 as I may just swing my stays to SPG if they do not.

Contrary to what others have said, I don't believe that SPG's cash and points has been gutted, and that it still remains a viable alternative, esp. for central city locations now that Marriott has placed them out of reach with its impending devaluation.