I think its important to point out that the Courtyards typically don't offer the free breakfast. As has been said, its not a normal benefit for elites. Usually, they won't offer it without you having to ask first. But they also tend to be very obliging if you ask politely...especially if you give them a reason why they should. (Its often what they offer if there's some minor problem with your room...poor TV reception, for example).

Personally, although I find the breakfast to usually be very good, I don't often partake. I either check out before the restaurant is open, don't have time for a sit-down breakfast, or have a breakfast meeting elsewhere. I have to confess a "grab and go" in the CL of a full-serve property, or at a Fairfield is more my speed.