For me the downgrade of the 50% dining credit makes this less appealing, as we eat "a lot" in hotels.

It now seems that Gold is the new Classic - and Diamond is the new Platinum.

I think there should be more advantages for the higher status level members now the system can be effectively "gamed" by purchasing subscription cards. It already seemed packed with people who have status vis Credit Cards ( ok not much in Europe but USA / AUS etc )

As it is, we have not seen much change in hotel offerings and upgrades from Plat to Diamond in the past two years. Will be Diamond again next year, but Europe is pretty much meh on upgrades and lounges,and now APAC will be the same.

Just look at what Hilton has "achieved" with the Gold Breakfast benefit .....