I believe socrates once said that they do not lose their job in this situation.

And the policy is Marriott's - presumably if they have to pay out, it's a reminder to the employees that there is a policy to follow. I'm rarely in a situation that requires a payout, but truthfully I'm not thinking about the employee's family when I am. And while some earn high salaries & are on expense accounts, not all of us do/are, so I'd say with regards to that speak for yourself.

I was in a situation where the $100 was paid this week - arrival card or what would you like wasn't offered at check-in nor a phone call later asking, so after 4 days I went down & requested the $100. The employee offered to still give me the points or arrival gift after he paid me, but I declined. I didn't think 'double-dipping' was fair - ie, take the $$ & the gift. And the $100 (well part of it) went back to the property, as I was actually honest on the honor bar form in the lounge

There have been times when I've been entitled to the payout & didn't ask for it because I like the properties/they've always been very kind to me, so it wasn't a big deal for me.

And we're all different - if I had turned away from the desk, realized it hadn't been offered, & returned immediately I would have reminded them of the gift/given them a chance, not been demanding the $100. I'm pretty easy-going on the entire process.

I also like what some FTers have done w/ the $100 (or $25 or $50) & that's donate it to charity.

Cheers.