FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NJ
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 46,919
The biggest benefit to being silver is not having to deal with the overseas reps if I have an issue or need information/assistance.
That alone is worth the annual fee.
While I use the lounge, I don't use it that much.
Using CSR for the travel benefits is not such a hot proposition. Some flights just aren't there, and the hotels book as non-qualifying.