There was always a decent if not significant chance a LT program would be introduced as they have been in basically every hotel and airline loyalty program. Especially since Starwood long had a “we try harder” mindset with respect to elite benefits, given the smaller footprint and valuable customer base.

Using your our own logic against you, why is it so important for Marriott LTPs get new LTPP, a much better level of benefits than they had before? Especially since the new Plat level basically covers all significant Marriott LTP benefits and is even better in some ways.