As a lowly LT Platinum have been pleasantly surprised. During a recent trip to SE Asia during Chinese New Year, got upgrades at all properties on paid stays, eg Sheraton grand Sukhumvit executive suite, le meridien Putrajaya ambassador suite, JW Khao lad duplex suite ( did have to ask and received after 2 days). Meridien Marrakech upgraded to suite but again did need to ask. I think in the old days when upgrades were automatic are over but find if asking politely usually does the trick