So, basically you're either now retired, or your income doesn't depend on staying in hotels (or flying around in sardine cans). You lucky thing.

Somewhat off topic, but I find it ironic that the big story surrounding Russell Crowe's arrest last year was that he threw a phone at the hotel clerk.. and not that the hotel clerk apparently refused to help him when he asked for help after he wasn't able to make an international call to his wife, when staying in a room that probably was costing him upwards of $1000/night (he was at the Mercer, one of the most expensive hotels in NYC). Maybe they didn't like his movies? Yes, many hotels are better than this, but the trend is there, and seems to be pretty common (in this Starwood Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold (almost Plat), Priority Club Plat's opinion - do I stay in alot of hotel rooms? )

1) how did you find out about the increase in awards? Was this posted publically somewhere? If so, I missed that, so thanks for the info!! ^

2) If you want to stay somewhere based on something other than point accrual ( gasp), I highly reccommend Kimpton Hotels www.kimptonhotels.com No, contrary to some opinions, I don't work for Kimpton (see comment above re: my hotel status), but frankly (in this road warrior's opinion) I think this hotel really "gets it" in terms of treating guests with great to excellent customer service and recognizing the fact that if they do so, the guest might stay there again.. (Ya think?)

Russell Crowe (post arrest): "I won't be staying at that hotel again!"