If you want to see positive changes in the loyalty program, you need to vote with your feet. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...endations.html

The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

Hyatt is now my primary hotel chain and I am extremely happy with them. Their footprint is too small so you need to have backup programs.
I would recommend IHG as a good backup; if you get their credit card, you get Platinum (top tier) status and a free night at ANY of their hotels. I used my free night for the London Intercontinental Westminster; the annual fee is only $39.