To answer the OP's original question - there really isn't any point in chasing status now. Marriott is being very short sighted and going after the spike in leisure travel demand and providing minimal services and perks. They obviously are of the mindset that they're going to fill the room at an exorbitant rate anyway so don't care who is staying in there.

Perhaps we'll see them change their tune when leisure travel drops off in the fall and biz travel presumably picks up a little more but I wouldn't hold my breath. As others mentioned, you can often get better service at a best western for significantly lower price. Why stay at a supposed 'full service' marriott where the lounge and restaurant are closed and they give you nothing when you can go to a cheaper hotel down the street for much less.