If you believe this, then I've got a bridge to sell you. :D The whole point of a honeymoon period is to lull people into complacency before the knives come out, and they gut everything to shreds. There may very well be a new programme on the horizon, but LT SPG members will be at the bottom of the pecking order. From what I understand, there aren't nearly as many LT SPG members, so who knows for certain. Regardless, the language indicates we will be defenestrated.

I can't imagine that you linking will be the cause of that. Either you will qualify for LTP based on their criteria in 2018 or you will not. They will come up with said criteria over the next 18 months.

I disagree. So far they have been quick and good. And there faqs state (bold emphasis mine):

"Q: I have attained Lifetime status in one of the loyalty programs already. Will that be recognized in the Status Match to the other program?
A: Don’t worry; you’ll continue to enjoy all the benefits of Lifetime status in the program in which you earned it. We are initially matching your tier status between programs, and when the programs are combined in the future, we’ll consider ways that preserve the continued recognition of our most valued lifetime customers."

That doesn't sound like they are going to knock everyone to zero. That would be ludicrous. Imagine wiping away all their best customer to zero. LOL, cmon. :rolleyes: As for what will happen - it is possible they will institute a level higher than what was allowed under Starwood (perhaps 750 nights will be required for LTP in the new program). And it was only 500 in SPG. Perhaps there will be a new requirement level (maybe it'll be 1,000 in the new program). It is of course possible they go the Hilton route and remove LTP altogether - but that is quite different than starting again at zero.

I fully appreciate your perspective. But I hope you're wrong! :D (As i'm sure you do!)

Nonetheless, time will tell... I'm carrying on business as usual, as I have done since this all broke anyway... I'll find my way in this brave new world and make the best of it.

As a Marriott lifetime platinum, I have no idea why an SPG platinum would want to try out a Marriott if there is an SPG property available.

Most likely they will get the least possible upgrade (meaning better view, no parking lot outside the window), and if an FS resort--complimentary breakfast is not on the menu.

linked accounts....that was easy....

We won't. But Marriott exists in many places where Starwood doesn't - and that's where we will use Marriott ^

I read the FAQ but I don't seem to have an answer.. Do I need 50 nights/ 25 stays on SPG stays to requalify SPG Plat next year or do I just need a combined 50 nights/ 25 stays on both sides to requalify SPG Plat?

You are probably right.

The other consideration I had was that they might use the data they get from linked Lifetime accounts to base their decision on how to treat the Lifetime accounts of the other program. E.g., if they learn from the data that of all SPG Lifetime Platinum members who get matched to Marriott Platinum, during the year they have the status, 95 % barely stay at Marriott hotels, then they might decide that it's "just not worth it" to match the Lifetime status.

But I'm speculating, of course.

You need 50/25 in SPG to qualify for Plat with SPG. You need 75 nights in Marriott to qualify for Marriott Plat. The programs are not combined in that way, yet.

They already have the data, they own Starwood now remember? Linking is for your convenience, not theirs.

Thought they might not always know it's the same person, but I guess if they match addresses and e-mail addresses, etc., then they can figure that out, too.

managed to link my account through the spg link....

I have some relatives with insanely huge Marriott point balances but few to no SPG points. This conversion will be fun while the fun lasts. Especially as SPG options exist in plenty of places where Marriott properties are not to be found or found so conveniently.

The linking is for the convenience of both parties. Data migration outcomes are more robust when customers reduce the pool of accounts that can be messed up in the course of an automated data migration effort. And data analysis is better when dealing with a more accurately combined data set than when dealing with a less accurately combined data set.

Linked my account to find that apparently I also had a Ritz Carlton account and it had stolen my email from my Marriott Rewards account. So my Marriott Rewards account couldn't log with my email, only my MR#. It showed the proper status for my MR account immediately. A few calls to the call center that didn't go so well. Still haven't been able to link to RewardsPlus to get my United status because the email is now considered too new. The rep said I have to change my earnings profile to get the United status?

Change your earnings profile to what?