Savannah2000 - If I were you I would make a few phone calls to Marriott Rewards & beg & plead for them to just renew your status anyway due to the Economy, etc...

My Marriott Elite status was unexpectedly renewed after I fell way short of re-qualifying. It was a nice surprise & I know several other folks who in the recent weeks found out that their status too was re-newed.

I feel like this "renewal period" (2009-2010) for Hotels & Airlines is like no other in (my young) memory with the economy taking such a turn for the worse. I would definitely recommend calling, writing & just plain begging before you even think about spending points you may not need to.

Care to elaborate some details on "I have the "Reinstate Your Level" option (buy it back with points)"? I'm curious what level & how many points, etc. I certainly respect your right to privacy at the same time.