It gets even worse..... I myself have qualified for Diamond, with stays, the last 3 years however my husband, who is a diehard SPG loyalist, was comped Gold the last 2 years based on his EXP status with AA. About a 6 weeks ago, when his 2006 card arrived, he was offered a fast track to Diamond if he achieved 7 stays before July 31st. It equated to 7 stays in just under 4 months for Diamond. He changed some of his SPG reservations to Hiltons and voila, is going to be Diamond by mid-month. Chaps my arse since I am going to have to bounce between hotels a couple of times in the next 6 months in order to requal.