Marriott Gold used to be useful - it was similar to what is Bonvoy Platinum now. Breakfast/club access saved me money on many stays and often enough were the deciding factor when choosing where to stay. Nowadays Gold is really a non-factor. For me it’s not even a stepping stone towards Platinum as that requires too many stays for me to worry about it. So I am now a free agent with Gold status thanks to UA partnership and Amex Plat.

(I will say there is one hotel where I still get club access and free breakfast consistently - I guess they just like going above and beyond. Thanks, Sheraton FRA!).