I just noticed on the AMB renewal screen it calls out IHG Platinum being a benefit of AMB status. I don’t believe that was there before (you could be AMB and Gold in the past)

This means the Spire/Diamond trick party is really over.

Thing is, I can be HH Diamond and Bonvoy Plat, each with free lounge and breakfast, simply with a credit card. IHG no longer has such an option. No lifetime status accumulation either. Time to book HIX and better still book away from IHG.