Wow--this is a great thread. Thanks so much for all the information! I have just two questions.

1) I am a gold elite w/ HHonors, but also a federal gov't employee, which means I can't be reimbursed for any stay that exceeds the gov't rate. Would the fact that I'm paying the low gov't price generally cancel out any chance of an upgrade as an elite member?

2) I often have difficulty getting hotels to give me the rate I need. This is particularly frustrating when I'm attending a conference at a hotel and end up having to stay at the Days Inn down the road. Is there usually some sort of ironclad policy on when to make this rate available (i.e. never when hotel is more than 75% full, etc.) or do the reservations/front desk folks have some discretion here? Aside from avoiding very full nights, is there anything I can do to improve my chances?