In 1994, I had a small problem and called special services to seek advice. in response, I received a letter stating that I had earned 3 million points and had now achieved Plat Automatic Renewal status and that i "would continue to enjoy these benefits for the balance of your Marriott hotel travel experience."
I still have the letter.
Since then, I have rec'd a Platinum card automatically every year, no matter how many or few nites I have stayed.
Marriott service pple have been EXTREMELY helpful. In return, I stay exclusively w/Marriott or one of its children: Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance,etc.