Catman, while I agree that the comping of status in some cases (i.e. Hilton Gold) has gotten out of line, I don't believe having two distinct Gold levels is the answer. I don't see how this is workable from the customer's point of view or assists the airlines/hotels in achieving their aims (more business). To dangle a carrot like Gold status in front of guests, and then turn around and say they won't receive the same benefits as "true" Golds doesn't make for an effective marketing campaign and certainly wouldn't satisfy most people.

I am not as strongly against comping as others on these boards might be. Comping status only impacts the "true Gold" if the comped people log numerous stays and thus are able to avail themselves of the benefits. If you comp a group of say 100 people to Gold, many of them will make a few stays and some may never even stay at all. Only a small number will make a significant number of stays and these are the folks Hilton wanted to get in the first place. Its true that excessive comping will erode the benefits of others....its a real balancing act for the airlines/hotels, I guess.