Originally Posted by
zoqfotpik
My interpretation of the new program is that MR Gold, regardless how it's obtained, will be upgraded to Plat elite. But I do agree with you, there would be zero new Gold elites if all SPG Gold matched to MR Gold.
You are not a Marriott Gold. You are an SPG Gold so you get a status match which entitles you to Gold benefits at Marriott. The verbiage about no matter how it was obtained means things like a status match or qualifying through a specific program like a reduced number of nights in a short period or a soft landing. Since all SPG Golds can get a Marriott status match Marriott would not have announced SPG Golds were going to be matched to new Gold if all Golds were going to be able to become Plat. Why would they do that?
While Marriott and SPG used the same metal names for loyalty program levels, SPG Gold and Marriott Gold were always two very different levels. Marriott Gold was like SPG 50. Matching Gold to Gold was a generous courtesy while it lasted.