Oddly enough, the way I actually first qualified for top-tier status way back in 1994 was via a no-show. I had a 3-night stay booked at the Huntsville Marriott, then the trip got cancelled. I forgot to cancel my hotel (remember, this was back before online reservations were the norm; you actually had to call a PERSON and keep track of your own reservations!) and got charged the first night's room and tax. But when the points came through in my account they also had 3 nights credit, which was enough to push me into that top tier!

I would have made it anyway, but remembering my "humble" beginnings as a Marriott top-tier always brings a smile to my face...