Ha! Came here because I hadn't done BRGs since our last major trip and had received some rather strange responses. Claim that I realized shortly after submission wasn't valid (by either LNF or BRG standards) got approved; several that were (or at least used to be) valid got denied. No more India team, but the responses from what seem to be CSRs in NA are India-like in quality.

What really bugs me: Under the current policies of exactly matching terms and conditions, they might as well stop guaranteeing "best" rates. It's so easy for websites like amoma.com to create customized rules like $1 deposits that allow hotels to upload cheaper rates without any threat of getting the 25% cut from corporate. The hotels will have absolutely no incentive to privilege their corporate website. This is exactly why I was denied: "I was unable to find a flexible rate on amoma.com that did not have a $1 USD deposit. As I am not able match the deposit policies, I am not able to approve your claim."

Since this merge activity has been heating up this year, I've already had several very SPG-unlike experiences, which makes me wonder if it's SPG folks knowing they'll get cut or perhaps new Marriott standards. I've been an SPG-er for my entire adult life; need a couple more stays to reach lifetime this year, but then it will probably be time to move on.