Not sure this bodes well. Value for the guest is very subjective and they can do all sorts of nonsense in the name of value for the guest (for example getting rid of desks in Marriott rooms). On the other hand being more cost effective for the owners is a lot more measurable. I expect the new program to be worse. I doubt the travel packages survive and there is no way they keep SPG's airline transfer arrangements. I think we end up with something like Hilton have
1+
I believe Marriott will go the kind of road Hyatt took when it went from, in my opinion, very good Gold Passport to the World of Hyatt program. They destroyed their own program so badly and many of its customers left.
Including myself and I went 100% spg.
I've to say I'm not looking forward to the changes. I'm pessimistic and I'll enjoy my time with spg as much as I can.