Very grateful to have found this thread and read through much of it! incredible resource on this topic. Thank you to all who contribute HadesNL Tim O'Brien Atacama40 Pseudo Nim and many more.

I recently joined ambassador in May 2024 and have since stayed 80 nights at Athenee Palace Bucharest for work.

I have now obtained diamond elite and the associated milestone rewards. lounge membership, CSU's, etc, etc

I am treating my wife and our newborn baby to a few nights at the DTLA IC on a best flexible rate. I chose this rather than a points booking because I am just shy of 120,000 EQP and this one revenue stay will put me over.

Based on what I have read, it seems that I have entered the "realm of possibility" but I'm tempering my expectations because I can't seem to find evidence of anyone new being invited to the RA program.

Stats:
1x Europe location
1x USA location
82 nights in IC
120,000 EQP | ~$12,000 USD spend

Things that seem to be strike against me...
-new AMB membership
-primarily one location
-low incidental spend -- total portfolio bill for 80 nights was around $500 USD

Given my stats after this stay, do you think it's worth continuing to pursue revenue stays or should I just accept that IHG is not inviting new RA's? I feel compelled to at least give myself the chance by getting over 120,000 EQP, but I have been looking quite hard for any indication that new members have been invited since 2023 and can't seem to find any. If that's the case I'm happy to just book on points and utilize my Diamond + Ambassador benefits which as we all know are roughly the same experience as RA.

Any opinions on my situation are encouraged and appreciated! thanks