They were arguing about Marriott without recognizing that Marriott owns Starwood. Right now Marriott has three rewards programs. Ritz-Carlton, Starwood, and Marriott. Thus if you are trying to achieve status, you can leverage that one that works best for you and move your points around as needed.
If you are not taking into account all 30 brands, it is the same at not recognizing all of Hyatt's brands.