I do notice a difference at IC's where I am a long time repeating guest with paid nights. Has always been that way, loyalty to an individual IC, not the global footprint.

Some IC's will also go above and beyond for an RA on a first visit under both old and new upgrade terms, others did minimum under both old and new upgrade/benefit rules. Others change with new GM appointments for better or worse.

Some ICs that treated RAs well before 2cat upgrade t+c changes have been less generous under new upgrade rules, and often this nothing to do with forced/guaranteed foc RA lounge access, since they happily gave Suite+Lounge under pre Sep2016 rules to RA booking base room, but now only give a club-room.

The newer +2cat RA upgrade should result in great suites when booking club rooms (or Junior Suites) over entry level room, but i note reluctance at some IC's to give that +2 , assuming the IC has not excluded all suites in exceptions listings within Amb/RA t+c's, eg Budapest, highest upgrade is to their Junior Suite.