Thank you for your feedback and experiences. It seems like having status is a thing of the past. Airline status means very little. Hotel status means the same. The only area where status seems to have any value for me is at Hertz. I've been treated in accordance with my status. I guess, I'll try to give the Waldorf a reason to upgrade me. I won't hold my breath. Ironically, I"m treated the best at Four Seasons, using Virtuoso for bookings. Free breakfasts and I"ve been upgraded 5/7 trips so far this year. And they have no loyalty program. So in essence money talks, bs and status walks.LOL