. . .On one hand, this is a credit to Marriott - they never treated me badly as a Silver . . .

Good point. Marriott offers a pretty reliable product experience across the board.

Even with Silver status, we've been bumped up to concierge floor on occassion when revisiting a property a few times a year ( I'm sure that this was more because they happened to have rooms, but still it was a nice gesture to be recognized as a returning customer to the property ).

If status helps a stay to be more enjoyable, then it's worth it with any chain. It's a matter of personal taste and needs.

Barry