I'm watching this thread with interest. I'm chasing LT Plat, having just re-qualified for Plat for 2024, I need 3 more years (will have the nights).

I find the benefits of Plat in many Canada/US properties not as good as in other countries. Since Covid, many properties are staffed by employees not too knowledgeable, and often just shrugged when I ask if there are upgrades for Plats, many don't even ask if I like the points as welcome benefit.

The best benefits to me are the hotels with lounges because you can get snacks/drinks in evening, but during Covid the lounges were closed and many didn't reopen, and many are doing away with lounges.

To us in Canada, one other issues is there's only one card, Amex Bonvoy, that gives hotel nights/points. No others. So to get nights/points we are stuck with Amex Bonvoy.