I have done both Matching Diamond to Starwood and then to Marriott. There are some weird reasons, but Starwood was great, until my job changed and the hotels in the area... So I tried to stay at Hilton and was not impressed by their properties.. so tried Marriott (with a couple stays as a Non-Elite) and booked some more.. then called them and faxed my stays. The next day, they called back and I was Platinum.. sweet.. easily will make that this year... (and prob Starwood Plat too).

Anyway, if you do request a match, make sure you state you are unhappy with your current chain, disappointed in the lack of quality benefits and hotels, and tried this chain and was impressed and would like to request a good faith match of status.... Of course what I said was very true... so good luck!