Nice analysis.

In my case I just don't have enough business stays in places with Starwood properties. I can always find Hiltons (Fresno was the only hold-out, and that was recently solved). Consequently earning and redeeming rate does not mean too much to me. Amenities do mean a lot. And as a Diamond I'm satisfied.

One thing you did that is helpful for me in particular, is spell out what I always presumed regarding Starwood's credit card advantage. The company I work for does not allow me to use anything but a corporate Amex, however I believe that will be changing under some major restructuring occurring. I'll be certainly biasing toward a Starwood card (since I'm a UA 1K, earning more miles is not an interest).