I am genuinely wondering how the Ritz Carlton continues to thrive? Especially when compared to St. Regis.

I am a Marriott Ambassador and am at the new Ritz Dallas location for a conference. I was aware of all of the Ritz Carlton "restrictions" before arrival, but after thinking on it for a few days, I am wondering how this Marriott brand continues to avoid being more integrated with the overall system?

There is no breakfast. They would not honor my suite night awards. They would not honor a late checkout. The only perk I received was 2000 points upon checkin and a meaningingless "thank you".

Compared to my stays at St. Regis properties, where they routinely honor upgrades with or without SNA, take care of $80 worth of breakfast, either in the restaurant or via private dining, and bend over backwards to keep you in your suite until 4PM.

Why does Marriott and Ritz resist being more integrated? How long will this last? Will the brand hype of Ritz die off with the older generation? Would they wake up if other "luxury" brands became more common around the United States? Is it like this abroad, too?