Agreed- I think the sweet spot now if you aren’t going to be AMB is to make Platinum for the free breakfast (outside of North America- at most hotels in North America the breakfast is barely worth it), and just book the room category you want.

Funny how much like the US airlines Marriott is now, with so many elites- with US airlines it’s worth it to get mid level status for the free checked bags and priority boarding, lounge access on international itins, and extra legroom seating- and to buy first/business when you want it, since upgrades are so rare