I don't see LM pulling out if Starwood has the final say which I assume they do since they own them. LM was a very nice addition to the program as a great in between group IMO. Westins, while nice, get a bit too standardized for some people. St. Regis and Luxury Collection are over some folks' budget...LM seems to give a nice mix of uniqueness and local flavor in many of the non-US markets...all just from what I have seen in my limited experience.