milesrus,

Is the 5 for 1 only for new card members? I've had my Marriott visa for a few years now and have always received 3 for 1. If I can now get 5 for 1 I would be a happy camper.
Also, does owning the card automatically give you Siver staus with Marriott Rewards? I've been a Platinum member since '94, but will finally lose that next year. I'd love to be able to at least stay a Silver if this is true.
Finally, has anyone ever been able to sweet-talk Marriott in letting them stay at a certain status (like Platinum) even if you haven't been able to re-qualify with the needed number of nights?