Originally Posted by
tsmith12
That said, I wonder if 40K swipe revenue offsets those extra points/Diamond status.
I honestly don't think that Amex cares about Hilton awarding you Diamond status. It doesn't cost Amex a thing for Hilton to give you status. And Hilton must think that if you are spending $40K on their card (besides paying an annual fee), that the benefits you obtain such as a free breakfast and a possible room upgrade are more than compensated by the additional business you generate by staying at one of their lodgings over the year.
And remember that much of the time I am staying at Hampton's and their ilk which give me absolutely no real benefit over a non-member guest in benefits received (other than points and a "thank you" for being an elite
.)