I was bumped up to platinum recently and wasn’t aware. The amex card has Accor plus membership included (which I’ve previously purchased as I get really good use out of it) and when that renewed via the Amex I went from gold to platinum. A+ gives you silver membership normally although I didn’t think they’d downgrade me but I wasn’t expecting an upgrade either! Reality is I don’t think I’ve ever stayed at a Pullman and I don’t usually stay at Sofitels so I’ll probably really only benefit from getting a few more points per stay. But if the opportunity arises to stay at a place with a lounge in NZ or Australia then I’ll try and make it work if the price is right.
Asia I have a bit of a hankering to go with GHA or non chain properties but I’ll keep an open mind.