Originally Posted by hhoope01

I've always thought of this status as a "retirement" kind of thing (at least in principle). While one is still in their prime earning years, Marriott would prefer you give them all your business. As you enter your "retirement" years, Marriott is rewarding your for a lifetime of staying at their properties by not requiring you to renew your elite status now that you may not be traveling as much as you used to.