LOL HadesNL!
I do have many regrets for my initial posts on this thread.

I appreciate your great summary of the Marriott and IHG evolution. I have been very active in both programs for only the past decade.

I really miss Starwood and I loved IHG Accelerate and PointBreaks promotions.

Ritz Carlton is one of our favourites. Since there are fewer elites, we find the upgrades are really quite generous.
We rarely travel in the US and are currently avoiding travel there.

We have had great upgrades with IHG hotels in the Middle East, Europe and SEA.
IC Jimbaran Bali is a beautiful hotel. Just probably the weakest elite recognition I have experienced at an IC so far.