If all anyone ever does is search and not discuss, then it's not much of a forum, is it now? Then it's just a repository of static information that never changes...

I've put off my decision on this until 2015. I'll stick with HHonors for the rest of this year and hit Diamond in November or December. I'll then analyze my stay pattern and project the earnings for several different combinations of programs... seeing how many free nights I'd earn in some predetermined city with comparable low/mid-level properties will probably be the deciding factor since I'm happy enough with HHonors Gold, I wouldn't be expecting many upgrades at Aloft and Hyatt Place properties anyway, and I can always expense breakfast on business travel (and do currently already and take My Way points).

I guess I'm really considering the change because of a perception that Aloft and Hyatt Place properties will be superior to Hampton and HGI properties... anyone else share this perception or not? I honestly don't have any Aloft stays to date and my only Hyatt Place stays were the original converted AmeriSuties properties, but even those I would prefer to most HI/HGIs when traveling alone on business (big TV with multimedia hook ups and semi-divided suite layout).