Yeah...I was an SPG Gold and I occasionally took advantage of the 4PM checkout when I had a badly-timed flight/a "dead day" on the end of a trip. I'd also point out the de facto devaluation of the amenity benefit as well (since it's being given with watered-down points).
Ultimately, the card is still going to be worth the free night (I figure I can get at least $100-125 out of that even if I'm "throwing away" the night in question) but with the lift in status demands? Trying for status at Stariott isn't going to be really "worth it".