Interesting observation. I have had hits and misses with all chains but I want to provide a recent counter experience:

I checked into the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel this month and didn't mention my status at all and was staying on points. I was upgraded to a junior suite with a view of the ocean and thanked for being a platinum.

Things to consider:

1. Was the hotel sold out?
2. Was the room considered a better view/better amenities/could be considered an upgrade?
3. Could a group have been booked into a block of rooms in that general area (for example a high school sports team)?
4. When did you arrive?
5. When did you place the request?
6. How did you place the request?
7. How busy was it during check-in?

There are so many things that can come into play. Did you ask why they placed you opposite of your requested location?