That is true. If you can hit 30K certainly you should do it in 2016 or you won't get the MQM bonus. But, it's similar strategy if you are not going to hit a bonus. I'm over 60K on my Reserve so I'm better off holding off to 2017 to count for the 25K waiver and the 30k/60k Bonuses.

Actually restaurant charges are going on my Total Rewards card until 12/31 because the bonus is double. Other purchases are going on my wife's Marriott card so she can hit lifetime platinum next year.

It's all in the game if you want to play.