It's not just a matter of qualifying -- what's the point of getting comp'd top level in another program and continuing earning points in the original program?

I'm trying to couch this from Marriott's point of view -- namely, what could they do that would be relatively inexpensive and easy to implement, yet would represent a very desirable goal for people who are very frequent travellers. I'm sure they'd like to capture 100% of that available dollar.

The problem I've identified is a lack of any "cookies" once you've gotten the top tier. Any frequent traveller surely knows there are other programs out there, and as long as continued stays at Marriott just result in more points (and that's pretty much it), why not give Hilton or Priority Club or Starwood a go and see what that's like?

For a marketeer, that's poison -- while we all give lip service to competition, what we'd really like is a locked-in customer base. My suggestion is just a little goody to help them get there.

And of course, I make out a little, too.