Well, Merry, I have to respectfully disagree with a number of your assertions. First, while this forum is dominated by heavy-duty travellers that is what it is designed for. Sure there a number of people who whine about miles/points, but there is also a lot of great information and discussions on the positives/negatives of each program and how they can improve. Marriott should be reading these posts for that reason alone....unless, of course, they are not interested in improving. Second, you claim that most of the claims made here turn out to be false. I don't think so. Most of the claims and information here are very accurate, in many cases more accurate than what one can get from the program's representatives! Do some members post things that turn out to be wrong? Yes, but I have seen no evidence that it is most (or even a significant number) of posts. Marriott should be here to address incorrect information about their program....unless of course they don't care. Finally, most of the cases where Starwood has responded are situations where incorrect information has been handed out or where someone has already tried unsuccessfully to resolve an issue through normal channels.

In regards to the Freddies, its clear that the programs do care about them, probably more than they will admit.....why else would they bother promoting how well they did in the results and why would Marriott Rewards support this site if they didn't care? The Freddies are good PR for the programs!