I'm not sure if it's the low cost that's ​​​annoying you, or the fact that Marriott Bonvoy isn't handling Covid-19 as well as their competitors are (not extending your status which IMO they should). But status challenges are nothing new.

Status challenges exist in other programs too. Back in 2014, AA gave me 18 months of Platinum status for $500 and one business class flight (12500 EQM) that I already had planned and booked. Means I was getting free extra legroom and priority boarding for my wife and I (always aisle and window) the same as someone spending 12x as much and flying 4x as much.