Maybe this explains the thought process behind the Plat Premier level.
Other than the Platinum Premier code that desk clerks rarely understand, the only benefits to being Plat Premier are the annual gift and a purportedly designated reservation number. I have almost never used the reservation number (I just book online) but I suppose there is no need for that number since I have an Ambassador. In fact, when I dialed the number a few weeks ago for some matter, my Ambassador answered suggesting that Marriott has some linkage in the system recognizing my phone number and routing it to her.
And ... perhaps I'm wrong, but I don't believe there are 15,000 plat premiers -- otherwise, why would desk clerks never recognize it.