I calloed Marriott this Fall after i read about "lifetime status" on Flyer Talk. I learned I was 80 nights short of lifetime platinum. "Well, then, " I asked, "Am I lifetime gold?" The answeer was " If you are requesting it now, you qualify for it and I will note it." So I am grateful to FT ... I otherwise would never have known this existed. However, to date I notice nothing has changed on my online account statement. I guess the real test will be when the new cards come out next year.