No one is saying there is a perfect loyalty program. The fact that every loyalty program has faults is not a reason to avoid a better program and stick with an inferior one. If being loyal to Hilton works for you, that’s awesome. It clearly is not working for many people given the frequency of discussions like this here and on r/Hilton. I think for most people with US credit cards, it’s way better to earn status with another chain and just keep Hilton Diamond through the aspire.

IME the biggest issues with Marriott are even worse with Hilton. In comparison to World of Hyatt, Bonvoy is truly disappointing. In comparison to Hilton Honors, Bonvoy is dominant (IMO) especially given Marriott’s massive portfolio advantage in the high end. At least Bonvoy still promises things like guaranteed 4 pm checkout whereas late checkout at Hilton is fantasy at desirable properties. Suite night awards can be frustrating to use with Bonvoy but Hilton doesn’t even try to fake an alternative.

Everything is subjective ultimately. But personally, Hilton has demonstrated no desire to show loyalty to its dedicated customers. I don’t see how it makes any sense to show them loyalty in return.