I totally agree. Actually, Intercontinental is wuite interesting to me these days because they have good properties in places I travel, and are offering me pretty amazing targeted promotions recently.
I plan to buy Ambassador status.
Will stick with Ritz-Carlton in my favorite locations, so I am still interested in Starwood/Marriott/Ritz-Carlton's future program to some extent.
I would actually like to see Hyatt meege with IHG, or another possible suitor. Hyatt's new "World of Hyatt" is a complete joke.