I'm sure that the legal department worked overtime to add sufficient weasel words to their policies to protect them in any instance, but it's how the properties interpret and implement the policies that counts, so I wouldn't think it will change things much.

I'm approaching lifetime Platinum with Marriott (1,000 nights) and have had good experiences and bad experiences, but many more good than bad. My standard approach is to either call the hotel in advance to let them know I would like a suite/upgrade if at all possible or just ask them when I check in "did you put me in a nice suite?". Some properties take the initiative without asking and already have me upgraded, but almost all will at least check their inventory and try to get me an upgrade if I ask for it. Some times they are already sold out of suites or have already upgraded them to others by the time I get there, so if I'm arriving late, I usually call in advance to place my request. Marriott does, at least in my experience, try to go the extra mile for elite members, but sometimes they need to be reminded of what you want.