I'm new to the Marriott world so forgive these questions. I searched but couldn't find the quality FT answer I wanted.

1. I have a Ritz Carlton rewards account. Can this be used 100% interchangeably with Marriott? I just applied for the Marriott Chase card and I put in my RC #. Can I earn Marriott status with a RC account?

2. I've read mixed things about status matching. I've hear they denied everything for a while and now Marriott is opening to challenges. Any experience on this?

Thanks all.