Thanks for your cross examination of hotels.com rewards program and other programs such as Marriott, Hilton and SPG.

Yet I think that you have missed one of the most advantages for being elite tier in SPG/Marriott/Hilton/IHG in comparison to non-franchise related loyalty programs such as hotels.com. This feature is the elite member recognition and associated treatment and welcome amenities and possible upgrades.

Before/after the recent changes to these programs, elite member can receive the following treats:
- Breakfast (Hilton).
- Internet access (IHG/Hilton).
- Upgrade one room level.
- Welcome kit (fruits/water/drink).
- Club Lounge access (IHG Ambassador).
- Guaranteed room availability according to status and schedule.

thus, I think that these features are truly worth being loyal to some of them, over the provision of a free night, which in the eyes of any hotel marks you as part of the general mass, without any focused attention to your needs due to your loyalty to the their establishment.