I live in Scandinavia and PC does have more properties in Europe. They do have some very impressive ICs - mostly outside the US.

Officially PC doesn't give out elite perks on award stays, and yes that is really bad. However I do get perks on point stays even on their famous 5k per night points break - I got their biggest suites (it was Staybridges and Candlewood) as an upgrade.

Well let's see what the Marriott annual devaluation and hopefully we will have some pleasant surprises.