I started moving some stays over to LQ last summer, and have been very pleased. My first stay was an emergency (IRROPS), the rest have been planned. I now include nicer LQs (e.g. those with 4.0+ on TripAdvisor, and which have decent exterior photos) in with HIX on my low end stays. LQ comped me their elite status which just means more points, but I figure I'll get one free night a year out of them.
I don't care about breakfast, but I do care about having a newer property with less mustiness for my allergies.
My favorite so far is one I just stayed at this weekend, Durham NC University 15/501. The elite status helped, as they gave me top floor next to the elevator, and I think the room might have been slightly upgraded. A comfortable recliner, a large desk, microwave, and a good mini-fridge that even had a thermometer digital display built into it.