Originally Posted by
darthbimmer
I see this discretionary program as a win-win. I win, because I get the incrementally better benefits of Platinum status versus Gold. (Meager though this increment is sometimes-- but that's discussed in many other threads.) MR wins, because they keep me engaged with Marriott as my primary brand. If I fell to Gold I might try a match to HH Diamond or shift business to IHG instead of waiting to see what they figure out with their Spire status.
Of course, I'll take the contrary position that this is lose-lose and a slap in the face to everyone that arranges their stay patterns to actually follow the rules BIB wise. What the Corporation gives away, the Franchisees have to give away and since 2008, it shows...