Originally Posted by
jpdx
Therefore, rather than pursuing the plan of making it to 10 brands, I will likely go for 4 or 5 brands. That way, I can pick brands I don't mind staying at, and I'll be done by mid-June, rather than having the final two (and most valuable) stays in September.
I suppose if it becomes known once no more prize dollars are available, you could then begin spending the dollars that you have earned up to then.
The "opportunity cost" you mention is a good point. Even assuming one has travel needs that would make use of the promo D$ within the subsequent 6 months, does D$5200 credit outweigh an extra outlay of $3300 if moving nights away from other chains meant losing elite status, and when that $3300 could (most likely) pay for a greater number of (points and status-earning) nights at other chains. It could, but this promo really isn't the 'no-brainer" it may first appear.