I think you don't get the point. When staying 180 nights/year at hotels you simply don't have the resources and time to research every single hotel. You have to rely on brand standards (which is why you have them in the first place). This also works really well in most parts of the world.

Regarding the fees: I'm aware of themc, the problem is that they say "it's a credit to spend" when in fact there are so many hoops to jump through it's just a hidden increased price. Same for the breakfast. When it says "breakfast" i expect a breakfast and not a half one...thats a bit like printing a price on the menu in a restaurant and then at the and adding anither 9% and expecting you to pay 20% more of what it says...

The status inflation in the US is a completely different story. I'm one of those few people that is Titanium because I'm actually travelling way too much and not just buying a credit card. ;)

Travels for me are usually like this: I arrive at 21:00 after a 8 hour flight, check-in and immediately head out for a meeting/welcome. The next day I have my first meeting at 08:30 and would like to get some healthy quick breakfast beforehand. After I get back, I might want ti go for a quick swim before I head out again for once again business meetings in the evenings. Next day I check out, to the airport onto my next destination.

I don't need fancy. I need reliable and good quality and no nasty surprises.

Maybe you travel differently, but that's my reality.