My decision to go without Marriott has been a very recent development. I am a Real Silver member because I stayed in a Marriott for 2 months (weekdays) while I was in Dallas. Sometimes it is much more convenient for me to stay at a Marriott. For example; I am working across the street from a Marriott property (Courtyard in Pasadena California) for the next 7 months. Instead I am staying 20 minutes away at the Sheraton Universal solely because I have much better status here (initially). So naturally I thought about moving to the Courtyard if I could enjoy the same amenities. Marriott knows from experiences I have had with them that I tend to stay for long periods of time (like when I stayed for 2 months). I obviously spend a lot of money traveling. Certainly the ROI is there.

At the end of they day it's about how satisfied I am with my experience. Being on the road non-stop for 47 weeks a year is rough. I try to make it as pleasant as possible.