Success here too. Took 16 days and 1 phone call. They said they target on average 4 to 6 weeks but it was completed within 24hrs of my phone call. I don't think your original Marriott status matters, as I am a ambassador and that didn't expedite anything for me. Which is par for the course with Bonvoy.

Kindness and having some friendly banter with the agent does help.

Of course it's 4 flights and not four PNRs. Silly idea.

Pretty decent deal this.

By the way: you do get 'free' seat assignments, but only for the cheap Y seats. You do get a 20% (I think) discount on the charges for a paid seat. Doesn't make much of a difference elsewhere.

PS: The status is valid for one year. So 2/25 in my case. If you re-qualify that will be your anniversary each year.