Originally Posted by
GrandOldTurkey
Maybe I don't have a complete understanding of how all this works as status goes with rollover nights but ...
Say, I was a P, and only had 70 nights this year. Then for next year, I'm a G starting with 20 rollover nights. With that kind of head start, I'll be a P again sometime midyear. So what has Marriott lost or gained? Me earning a few less points for a few months or my good will so that I don't run to Hyatt? Say I start the year with 20 rollover nights, earn 75 next year, I'd gain 20 rollovers for 2017. Then I get basically a double credit one for next year and then again for 2017 as the new roll over (right?, I don't have a higher degree in Marriott scamming)
The calculus on who gains or loses, and what, is complex.
If you had Platinum status for this year and earned only 70 nights then "per the rules" you would drop to Gold next year and also start the year with 20 rollover nights. There's gain and loss in that. Loss: you drop to Gold for a period of time and enjoy marginally lower benefits. Gain: those 20 rollover nights may help you cinch an elite status level that you would otherwise not achieve. They also count toward lifetime status.
Now, if in December Marriott decides "Ehh, close enough" and comps you Platinum status for another year then you do keep Platinum benefits all the way through next year (gain to you) but you don't get those rollover nights (loss to you).
There's also the gain/loss to consider from Marriott's side. By comping you Plat status over Gold they likely feel they are better retaining your loyalty (their gain). They are also avoiding you rolling over a large number of nights to next year which you might have used to game the system (their gain). It's true that by having you as a Plat they have to pay out more points (small loss) but all the on-property benefits such as upgrades and exec lounge access are on a space-available basis or are largely fixed costs and anyway are borne by properties.