If this promotion bothers you, then you are the problem.

If you want status, earn it. spend the nights and do the work. No one gives away something for nothing. And status is worth exactly what you paid for it. These are eternal truths and were it reversed (you were "paying" people to stay with you) you would be cheap too.

as an accidental ambassador I understand that marriott cannot give away platinum and then pretend it has value. As an ambassador I would like to think I have some sort of special status with marriott, but I do not. And I do not care. I choose the class of service I wish with the amenities I want. Surprisingly that works better than trying to beg for stuff. Upgrades are appreciated, but not expected. I find that the hotels I stay with regularly take care of me regardless of status, even to the detriment of those with higher status than I have.