At the end of the day, one just has to ask... Does staying at Marriott provide you with the best value? With the all the cutbacks, program "enhancements" and no real upgrades to be had... I'd say NO.

Personally...I have 5 nights with Marriott YTD this time last year I was at 17.

FYI: Starwood has 12 nights vs. 2 last year

I still may not get free breakfast or lounge access for all my stays with Starwood but I've gotten a suite each time ^