I don't know what you mean by "all recognition disappeared with the introduction of SPG". I distinctly remember them announcing the new program and how they'd continue to recognize people at an elite level commensurate with what they held in the old programs. As a Sheraton gold and Westin burgundy (middle tier) I was certainly expecting SPG plat. Imagine my disappointment to get SPG gold, the first of many disappointments with that program. I know others loved it; it never worked as advertised for me. But they did make an effort to continue recognition from the precursor programs when SPG was rolled out.