As an spg member who has life time titanium, I will tell you it is not worth fighting for. All I get is "Thank you for being a Titanium member". Just spent a night at the Westin Michigan Avenue where I am a repeat guest. Lucky me a high floor. This is a big a hotel and there have to be upgrades. I find, you have to aggressively ask for a suite but sadly my wife does not allow that.
What you really should be angry about is that at AA the best you will ever do is lifetime platinum. Both United and Delta have much better lifetime programs. Had I made better airline choices I would be sitting in the front more often for free.
In the US recognition is about all we get. But go to Europe, Asia, and places outside the US and things are different. Since moving to Europe part-time, when we stay at hotels, we are upgraded without asking, and the check-in staff has always thanked me.