Originally Posted by
Delta-ep
Let me clarify. I carried 9 nights into this year, so when I hit the 75 needed for platinum (9 + 66 paid nights) I would not be able to accrue any rollover nights for 2013 until I hit my 85th credited night. This is how it works, and it is a disincentive for staying once platinum status is achieved.
Delta used to do this back in the day too, Marriott should look into it. Delta realized people were making their status and then working on other status options elsewhere and changed it.
And to answer the question I have been platinum 3 years running and will be next year too.
Depends upon your target. If just getting status, then yes, you are done once reaching 75 total nights. However, if Lifetime status is still ahead of you, then going for the extra nights (beyond 85 in your case) to get double lifetime credit can be a powerful force. I believe it's there to get those that would have bailed to get status elsewhere to stay with Marriott. My guess is it's working.
With their new "official" Lifetime program, they will need something to get those that are LTPs to spend money on rooms. 500 points not likely to cut it.