My best guess: A random FD agent isn't seeing these things because it's not their job to look at it. The FO Manager or someone who prepares the "VIP List" on which the tiers show up on regularly looks at these details IF the property has a policy of doing a special approach for Lifetime members. If not then it's an irrelevant detail and the member is being treated just like the corresponding tier.

And to be honest I don't see why a hotel should make a big deal about Lifetime members. After all a Lifetime member could be a horrible customer who stays 2-3 nights a year with Marriott while the status holder of the same tier does a hard qualification every year. Business wise it makes more sense to treat active customers better. But this goes a step too far in applying common sense with a company that even treats their $20k Ambassadors like a doormat.