If you read post #89 the the "no-reward-black-out-dates-what-joke" thread, you will find the following paragrah:
Hotels do not have the ability to define a standard room on their own; it is defined by corporate and enforced by corporate. And, the new definition of a standard room is more generous than the definition had been under the old program.

in post #1 of this thread, you will find the paragraph:
"...Sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with the amenities at some of our hotel properties. Unfortunately, we have no control over what the hotels decide to offer."

(bolding is mine)

Marriott defines the room but has no control over the amenities in the room????

If one is not at a resort (where views, etc can come into play) isn't it the amenities that pretty much define the room?