It will only be forgotten if, in the new program, it continues to be held out separately as far as elite benefits.

Within SPG, I can go to the top-of-the-line Starwood property St. Regis and I'm treated as a true VIP. Within Rewards, I can go to the top-of-the-line Marriott property Ritz-Carlton and I receive nothing approaching VIP treatment. In fact I don't even earn Rewards points on my incidental spending.