The average person is completely and utterly obsessed with getting something for "free". Often to the point where minuscule returns, accounting for a few percent of a return, are the deciding factors for tens of thousands in spend. Not that it's a bad idea altogether. Just be realistic with what your trends are, what is important to you, what you would really spend vs what you're trying to get.

When I traveled for work, I went to a lot of small towns as well. We had a few approved brands with negotiated rates. IHG seemed to make the most sense for me at the time. Combined with the accelerate offers, I was legitimately getting enough points to stay at a $400+ a night Intercontinental Hotel (for leisure stays) for every 5-6 Holiday Inn business stays I had. While some would have been against my choice of IHG because "breakfast, breakfast, breakfast" is the center of the universe. I was still getting breakfast comped around half the times as a Spire Ambassador anyways. Other times, I took my very nice room on points only and went to a local diner. Unfortunately, those accelerate offers aren't what they used to be. Nor do I travel for business as much anymore.

I would say business travel is perhaps the best method of accumulating points. Don't waste that opportunity! As much as most companies say your stays can't be based around this, let's be real, most do it, and it's never a problem. Even your most basic Wyndham, IHG, etc in a small city can result into points that turn into very nice resort stays. Weigh what options you have, and what kind of return would be important to you.