Originally Posted by
pinniped
This right here is probably the most compelling reason to chase LTPP. The chance that Marriott eventually follows the Hilton pattern for lounge access, where their similar tier gets lounge access only when they've been upgraded to the floor with the lounge. Since there is a pattern of (some) Marriotts moving their lounges to the lobby level, it could become real easy to say PP's get lounge, P's get continental breakfast in the restaurant.
This is why I always say to get the highest status possible, even if it seems like "nothing".
If a program gets devalued, being on the top rung will ensure you no worse than anyone below.
Although I tend to agree with [MENTION=176151]CJKatl[/MENTION]'s longstanding assertion that LTPP is mainly (at least, for now) throwing a bone, I would still try to attain* it if I had a reasonable path to it (I say this because the OP seems a little over the top, but more power to him/her nevertheless).
I also agree with [MENTION=854456]stant[/MENTION] with regard to "lifetime"; you can't tell someone that if they attain the yearly equivalent then it doesn't matter... sure, it doesn't matter if they attain the yearly equivalent for every year until the day they die. Lifetime affords the ability to not have to work for it every frickin' year.
* As many of you know already, I have no skin in this game as I have well over-qualified for LTPP.