I was just a Membership Rewards member (NO STATUS) last year and I just received my SILVER card in the mail. I need another 25 stays before the end of March to Make GOLD (actually 13 under the DP/DN promo).

rmccamy, did I understand you right? If I am a silver and get the Marriott Rewards Credit Card, I am automatically upgraded to GOLD. I have only 6 nights of business travel between now and end of March. I would rather get a credit card for free than trying to cram 7 extra nights of hotels stays in 2 months. GOLD is tempting me... Precious... My Precious... =-)