Welcome to FT!

MarriottConcierge said the 'refer-a-friend' program where the referrer & the referree receive bonus points is not in place this year, so no love there. I believe if you get a Marriott Visa, it gives you Silver membership & a free 1-night Cat 1-4 certificate. Not aware of any promo for Gold, although I'm not up on all of that. If you're top tier w/ another program you might want to try for a status match to Silver or Gold.

Cheers.