I think Hyatt recognizes the value they get from the status matching, notwithstanding the gamers.
true -- I'd been at Starwoods for the past 3 years and would like to reach lifetime plat (needs 10 yrs, I think),
however, with the Hyatt perks and wider availability in many cities, Hyatt may be more appealing in certain locations. Many people wouldn't have the chance to find out unless it was free.
(Although, we had never seen the timely, "Good Morning", "Good Afternoon", and "Good Evening" carpets in the elevators until we stayed at the "W".)