The notion that elites don't get "anything" from loyalty plans is rather curious.

Just took advantage of my 4 pm late checkout at a Marriott this past Sunday. This was much appreciated, and not something I would have gotten without Platinum.

Do I get a suite upgrade every time? No, there aren't enough suites to go around and not all properties play by the upgrade rules. But I generally do well on room assignments, including frequent suites, particularly in Asia. I also usually see the breakfast benefit honored, in part because I tend to avoid Marriotts that flout the rules.

Perhaps I'm feeling generous to Marriott due to some outstanding award redemptions lately, but I find the numerous comments in this thread about status being worth "nothing" quite overblown.