If you don't fly, you don't earn FF miles. That might not be common sense, either, but the fact that you have to actually fly prevents people from earning miles & status from buying up every cheap MR available, shutting out those who actually want to travel.

Similarly, if people are inclined to buy cheap "mattress runs" just to earn points or status or qualify for promos, that would also devalue status and shut out those who would actually want a hotel room for the night.

So, be careful what you ask for: If you could actually get credit for phantom stays, everybody would be doing it to acquire points and top-tier status, and there might be no good deals left for those who really want to use them!