Remember we're not comparing apples with apples here - yes Quint starts at $1500 and Centurion now starts at $2500 in the US but then like I said, concierge is one part of the Centurion offering - not the only offering.

I'd never seen that article before and it is interesting but I will take it with a pinch of salt - AmEx do normally do okay, but its at a cost. $700 for the Ephesus tour guide seems a bit steep. I always get put off reviews of Quint that have to rely on reminding us of the Royal (allegedly) connection. If it was really that great, it shouldn't need to trade on a connection/anothers name.

Platinum Concierege is not a like-for-like comparison with Centurion - you get what you pay for to be honest. Platinum is a free for all now and the concierge are only really concerned with the simple tasks - back when it was invite only and the membership base was more manageable the service was much better. Its not easy to be a concierge it takes a certain skill and ability - not one that can be easily trained and sadly AmEx have not quite worked this out yet.

Thanks,
Richard