Marriott is nothing interesting but a dull and boring brand, so do their elite programme. Time to burn off all the Starpoints then.
I would argue that this deal makes Marriott a very interesting brand. Starwood hotels aren't all cookie cutter properties as you must know.
One more speculation. I'll bet that a bunch of the Starwood Luxury Collection hotels become JW's.
And the obvious negative financial speculation. Average room rates will increase a fair amount over the coming years.