For me, the program is all about point accumulation and using the accumulated points to stay at high end properties that one would have never stayed at absent a reward.
Most Courtyards by now have introduced a fairly nice food station. Many actually have room service. Some Courtyards in terms of general amenities seem hardly distinguishable from full service Marriotts.
There is usually a choice to stay at a Courtyard or a full service Marriott for me. I will usually opt for the lower priced brand. If I can save $30 a night at a Courtyard, that would cover a fairly good breakfast if I was so inclined.
I have to disagree. CYs are pretty bad, regardless of the updates. I would gladly pay $30 more for a FS Marriott just to get a better bed.
I have stopped staying at CYs altogether. If I want to be cheap, I will find a Springhill or something. At least I can grab an apple and yogurt for breakfast there.