dtc - at least it would be worth an email to them via the web form to try your luck, or you could message the Marriott Lurkers (you can find them via the message function, III seems to respond a lot) on the forum. As mentioned, probably not that much hope - you were unlucky in that Marriott did pause expiry during COVID, but that was in years 1 & 2 of your inactivity.

I wouldn't make the email too long, just highlight the length of your loyalty and hope they can create an exemption, and if there was an underlying health issue that related to COVID, perhaps highlight that.