When I checked in to the ABQ Marriott yesterday the clerk stated "We have your gold number in your reservation." This struck me as odd seeing as how I only have 36 nights this year. When I logged on to check my account at Marriott.com it indeed indicated that I was now gold. Unlike you, I haven't received a letter from Marriott just yet. I do have reservations giving me over 60 nights by the end of the year, including one 12-day stay at a Courtyard in October so maybe that had something to do with it? Either way, it's a welcome upgrade.