Well, here is an interesting one as an update - you can now buy status, but not as cheap as USD160k. If you buy a Marriott aparment (starting at USD1.3m) you can get two years of Bonvoy Platinum status after you pay your deposit, and then there is some form of "lifestyle" concierge as well...:
https://www.travelandleisure.com/marriotts-most-coveted-status-tier-branded-residences-11759806
Originally Posted by Website
New homeowners earn Bonvoy status depending on the brand their residence is tied to; Those purchasing a unit in The Ritz-Carlton Residences receive Platinum status.(Prices at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Boston, South Station Tower start at $1.3 million.) But company leaders emphasize that this isn’t your standard Bonvoy Platinum status.
Residence owners also tap into a new program called
Onvia, an owner recognition platform that includes benefits such as preferred rates at Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, exclusive perks when booking a voyage on
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and access to a variety of exclusive partnerships, events, and activities. Additionally, once owners put down a non-refundable deposit on their future home, they can enjoy the benefits of elevated Bonvoy status for a period of two years.
...Continues
So conceptually Marriott is breaking down the barriers somewhat, though I presume in the backend the developer is paying them a similar (probably less discounted) amount as their credit cards are