I did some searching and although I found lots of good information, I did not find an answer to my question:

Does Hyatt status level impact the availability of awards?

As someone who ends up with my hotel stays split between way too many programs I don't do very well with status with any of them.

At current I am one stay away from going from Gold to Platinum and realize I could hit Platinum with a virtual mattress run via a cheap night and 1-800-checkin. I realize this will only cost me about $50, but I don't anticipate even qualifying for Platinum again next year (we are getting fewer and fewer Hyatts via our corporate travel).

However, I do have a pretty healthy points balance and want to use some next year for award stays. If Platinum (vs Gold) status will improve the availability of awards I'll do it....does it make a difference?

Thanks for your insight.