Originally Posted by Horace

When your Elite level is matched between a linked SPG and Rewards account, there are no elite nights or points automatically posted to either account, just because of the status match.

You earn SPG nights and points at properties in the SPG program. You earn Rewards nights and points at properties in the Rewards program. In each case, you get the benefits and points bonus associated with the Elite level.

If you match SPG Gold to Rewards Gold and get 15 nights at the anniversary of your Marriott Chase Visa, you will have 15 Elite-qualifying nights, not 65 nights. Plus, you'll have whatever nights you actually stayed at properties in the Rewards program.