Don't worry, nothing ever started, since you are providing 0 arguments whatsoever.

Status matching/fast tracking was ALWAYS part of the frequent flyer/hotel loyalty game, from earlier than when you joined FlyerTalk. Hyatt, Marriott/SPG and Hilton were ALL doing it the year you joined. They continue to do it because its a profitable BUSINESS MOVE.

Plus, a businesses reward system (like a supermarket reward system, or a flight reward system, or a buy 10 drinks get 1 free card) has always been about maximising value for the business, since the beginning of time.

Accolades and achievements that actually involve skill and are judged competitively can be argued to be bad if you put others who did not have to jump the same hoops in the same category and judgement. However, lets get real, this is just a business bolstering reward program and nothing more. You don't actually have to do anything of skill except spend the money, and the degree to which you can get it depends on exactly where you work and if there is a doubletree or garden inn next to you. Being elitist/purist about something like this is silly.

They are making a business move that is successful. Businesses are about making money and gaining the most customers and making the most people happy. Sorry the elitist/'purist' crew lost out. Like the other guy said, you were sold marketing over the branding of a hotel rewards program as rewarding your loyalty. No, they are there solely to maintain and bolster future business. It might have taken you 20 years to figure that out but it still remains true. It's also true that people who travel less will derive less benefits because they travel less on average, and that 8 stays in 90 days is MORE than the amount required normally in that time period, and that you have to possess top tier status in another chain to even get that benefit. And yes, they are STRICT about their requirements for the last couple months, not like when the status match first launched. These status extension emails as mentioned in OP are IT BUGS - people have said they have not earned it and they actually dropped down!!

Bringing in age/generation as an argument is the most silly of arguments, you know nothing about us in real life nor is it relevant whatsoever. If you can't construct a logical argument or rebuttal you shouldn't be posting.