Originally Posted by DJ_Iceman

I agree, but I could easily see the status levels devalued such that platinum isn't what it is today. United did this when they added a platinum level, bumping all their million milers down a peg. If Marriott adds one or two levels above today's platinum (for example, Ambassador for 125+ nights per year, and an unpublished level with vague qualification levels above that), and makes it so platinum members only get lounge access when actually upgraded to the concierge floor (like Hilton gold), they technically wouldn't take lifetime platinum away from anyone but it certainly wouldn't be good for the sporadic traveler who was looking forward to a lifetime of top-tier status after many years of Marriott loyalty in their traveling prime.