As most of my COVID travel is in the United States, I suppose I would want a chain with a large American footprint.

On the other hand, COVID will eventually go away and I'm not sure I want to start over with another chain and be a silver-equivalent member and miss out on the upgrades I would have otherwise earned. This could likely be mitigated through a status match but then I'm stuck with that chain long-term trying to earn lifetime status.

I suppose that's another point....which chains offer lifetime status?

Would it be worth trying a "lesser" brand like Best Western (I stayed in one in Rio like 5 years ago lol)