Originally Posted by
3Cforme
I'm not one who puts much credence in the 'less competition' argument. There's marginally less competition among loyalty programs with SPG eventually eliminated but Marriott's total share of rooms is still far from an oligopoly position worldwide (or U.S.-wide).
Different industry, but seeing airlines go from 6 to 3 major network carriers (and with VX disappearing too) has led to less competition, higher prices on many less competitive routes, and the broad decimation of the loyalty programs (unless you are in the ~5% of elite flyers who are also very high spenders spending over 20 CPM).
Hotels are different (airlines don't really have VRBO or AirBnB equivalents, so more competition) but it won't be surprising if you see these programs become less generous over time.