Maybe I missed it before, but scanning MR today I noticed the following under the terms and conditions:

For Platinum Elite members, the best way is up! So every time you check in, we'll do our best to upgrade you - at no additional charge - to our best-available guest room in the next room category level. Suites are excluded.

IIRC, the language used to simply say, "we'll do our best to upgrade you to the best available guest room," now they have added, "in the next category level." (As always, suites are excluded.)

Is this Marriott's way of limiting the type of upgrade Golds & Plats receive, especially at a resort or hotels with more than just standard rooms and concierge level rooms? I can see FD managers using this against elites when an upgrade is not received. For example, if I book a standard room at a hotel that offers standard rooms, concierge level rooms and corner rooms does that mean my upgrade is limited to a concierge level room? What if I book an award stay at the Marriott Marquis in NYC, the award is for a standard room. The next category is a Times Square View room. If all the TS view rooms are sold out during my stay (but other categories are available), does that mean I am SOL with regards to any upgrade?

While some Marriotts who truly appreciate elites would have no trouble upgrading elites to the best available room regardless of category, I can think of quite a few where even getting any type of upgrade is a struggle.