Lighten up, guys. These promos are not diluting the value of status because they're only for a limited time, and the recipients still have to requalify under the normal criteria. The posers will wash out soon enough.

This is far different from "because I work for Company X, I have Premier Executive status as long as I remain in their employ, even if I only fly United once a year." That's dilution.

AA-style challenge promotions aren't going to work with me. On the other hand, an envelope containing a Platinum card and (at least) 4 VIP2s could be extremely persuasive. But I have to be predisposed to consider switching. I had such an unbelievably bad experience at the Seattle Sheraton a few years ago that I walked away from all my accumulated points, I will go out of my way to never stay at another Starwood property again, and even an offer of "Preferred Guest Platinum status through 2099" isn't likely to win me back.

Yes, I am participating in a Hilton conquest promotion. No, that is not how I obtained my Gold status. However, they are getting a lot more revenue out of me as a result of various promotions, and there's no question they're getting business that otherwise would have gone to another major hotel chain. They still need to work for my loyalty, but at least they don't have to worry about me going over to Starwood any time soon.