I have to say I'm firmly in the camp of those who are well pleased with my platinum status. Above and beyond the stated benefits, I find that I'm almost always treated like the hotel staff is genuinely glad to see me.

As for the "extras" and upgrades, my experience is "simply ask". I've found that as long as what you're asking for is within reason and do-able, the hotels will try to accomodate you. I generally don't care all that much for the upgrades when I'm travelling alone on business....but when I'm with my wife and would like a larger or nicer room, etc., I tell them what I'd like and why. Usually, they're more than glad to oblige. As one manager put it.."We try to live up to what you'd expect from us".

As for "what I'd like to see" in the way of benefits, its two things. At the Fairfields, Courtyards and limited serv properties, offer points instead of all those pretzels and water bottles. It doesn't have to be the same 500 you get at the Full-Serves....a hundred or two points would be just fine. As for the FS properties, how about free high speed web and local phone calls for the platinums? That would certainly address those who don't find all that much difference between gold and plat.