Vaguely comforting to know I'm not alone.

As for the Sukhothai question... I think the Pen v. O comparisons are mostly driven by the cross-river rivalry. They are very close in proximity to one another, face each other across the river, and certainly compete head-to-head, even if some of the niches they target may differ. The Sukhothai has a quite different setting, sort of a compound on Sathorn Road. The most consistent comments I've read about the Sukhothai relate to its tranquility-inspiring design blending modern and Thai aspects. Although before-Peninsula days predate my time in Bangkok (and therefore I'm perfectly subject to being corrected), I wonder if the Sukhothai was a principal competitor to the O until the Pen came along. Among a certain set of patrons, mmmmmmmkay???, I've sensed that the older gentlemen go to the Sukhothai while the younger ones (such as myself) favor the Peninsula. FWIW. YMMV.