I am also a Silver and have written to Marriott about this since they are practically giving Silver to everyone. I see no benefit other than bonus points. Got a canned reply saying it is what it is. I bend over backwards to stay at Marriott’s and see virtually no recognition for my loyalty other than the very occasional small welcome gift at a Spring Hill Suites.
If not for the reward options I would have left a long time ago. I still think they have a very diverse selection of very nice hotels/resorts so I am in it for the rewards. I just returned from Hawaii which I combined my Marriott reward points with AMEX reward points for free hotels. I drained each account but it saved a tremendous amount of money. A reward for my family putting up with all of my travel.