Really? I'm sitting in the CL of the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront as I type this on a reservation that was booked through a conference. I have received every benefit typically afforded to a Gold Elite member including an upgraded corner room overlooking the harbor. Upon checkin, the FDC even welcomed me as an elite member and noted that my MR# was on file. I also paid with my MR Visa and have no reason to believe that my points won't be awarded as usual. But perhaps I'm wrong of this one component? **shrug**