The dismissive responses about gold status seem off-mark and petty (after all, some gold elites are probably worth more revenue to Marriott than some plat elites).

A simple request of a room located closer to the lobby from a gold elite member should not be met with attitude from the front desk. Perhaps the OP should have been specific about wanting a "close-in" room when he/she first arrived. Perhaps the OP could have suggested that he/she would be willing to take a "lesser" view or different bed type, or even change rooms the next days. But, bottom line, the FD was out-of-line.

OP - I think a simple note to the front desk manager would be in order. Very short and to the point, no hyperbole - just disappointment that a simple room request for a gold member could not be honored.