...they need to understand that, had they been allowed to retain their accidental plat status, another group of MR members would have had cause to feel slighted. Those who logged 50-62 nights last year did not receive plat status. That's right -- they stayed from 1 to 19 nights more than the accidental plats, yet they started the year at gold. I am not among them (I logged 96 nights in 2009), but I definitely understand why they might feel frustrated to receive lower status than those who stayed less.

I think it will be interesting to see how Marriott handles this correction. While the accidental plats may not deserve that status, it is only natural that they feel disappointed upon losing it. It's likely that many never knew of their short upgrade in status, but some did (those who checked their accounts on-line). I also wonder if any accidental plats were sent plat cards by mail (some of which may not even have been received yet). Because Marriott will have a tough time figuring out which accidental plats actually learned of their status boost, and might therefore be feeling disappointed by their demotion/correction, I think they would be smart to send an apology letter/explanation/gift to all of the accidental plats.

My suggestion is a letter that explains that the MR member may have noticed that during the first weeks of January, his/her elite status was not reflected accurately in his/her online account. It would also explain that the rollover nights program has given the MR member a head start of X nights towards 2011 status. It would also include a discount certificate (perhaps 20% off of a weekend stay) with the explanation that the certificate is intended to "make it even easier for the MR member to earn status." The certificate would not be an explicit compensation for the disappointment felt by those who have been demoted because it would go to many who have no idea that they had been elevated to plat. This communication would, I think, restore some good will among the currently cranky accidental plats.