Hahaha. You know what I disagree mostly with the $$ guarantee. There are 2 pretty much competing Marriott Properties in Mayfair, London - Grosvenor House and Sheraton Park Lane. Since starting to use Marriott I tried them both out and Sheraton gave me a nice complimentary suite upgrade during regular life. Grosvenor House tried to charge me an additional £150 or so per night for a horrible suite. I made a fuss, and they offered me one of the best ones for an additional £100 a night, and this was literally March 13-26 or so during the CV situation and the hotel was empty.

I don't mind securing with $$ in certain scenarios, but I'll just happily use another hotel if the status doesn't carry much weight at the hotel. I'd rather spend the $$ at a hotel which at least respects the program.