The terms quoted above state otherwise. There are two different issues which are mentioned in different places within the terms and conditions: getting credit for the room and getting elite benefits during a stay. To get credit for the room the reservation needs to be in your name and you need to pay. To get elite benefits you do not need to be the one on the reservation, just one of those staying in the room. You have had success because that is the rule. Where is there any rule that says elite benefits require the reservation be in your name? No such rule exists. This has been posted numerous times over the years by numerous people. You have had success because that is the rule, not because you were nice or someone gave you something extra.

In making reservations in places where passports must be shown at check-in you still get a space online to add additional guests' MR#. It has been taken away for domestic reservations but you can still call in and have it added.

And I agree about not eating breakfast in the hotel while in NO.