Side note, I have noticed in recent months, even I had wanted to prepay, telling Marriott overlords to take my $$ immediately after booking, nothing until just a couple of days prior to check-in (despite rate details stating otherwise), or sometime not until until check-out. I am missing out on bonus credit card refund adjustments

Not just Marriott, Hilton as well.

Anyway, carry on with the bargain rate discussion...