Well thanks for all that feedback....so as far a screenshot I can now say lifetime "gold" because that what it shows...as far as memory for 37 years and room nights I am assuming what they tracked is correct....although sure it could have been much higher because yeah that is only 10 nights a year for 35 years....and well why would anybody make platinum for that. LOL now lets say that I became platinum in 2007 for whatever reason and then for the last 11 years i have been booking and staying as a platinum member and then last week I go to check in and they say sorry you a lifetime 'gold". so for 10 years the burden is on me to provide proof of Plat Status.....??? are you kidding me...ok now that you guys are thinking this way all this proof and how did i do it etc.....i just cant tell you how I got a letter saying I was granted lifetime platinum then it ended "enjoy" I haven't had a Marriott card for 10 years as I use online and app booking and dont need. But what I can say is if thats what you think I need to do what I will do is cancel all upcoming reservations....because what i will get is not what i expected, and i will wait to hear from Marriott. So what i would like from all you tough guys is which chain do you recommend so I can cut over tarting Monday. Because rather than waste time crying for some benefits that are not that great I will try new options with other chains....so 1. Who overall is the best ? and which chain has the best value and service ? As and RA at IHG i remember it was good...but being in HK and not traveling much I thought the LTPlat JW was better ...but gold clearly is useless. So open to suggestions.....on best way to proceed. I did discuss with IHG and they are willling to take me back as RA without 1st year fees ?