Does MR offer status match? What are the MR amenities at Gold and Plat to expect, and how easy is it to cash points.

I'm sitting on a pile of HH points, the Safari award is gone, and Hilton seems to take my business for granted.

Considering SPG or MR, I hear SPG is no good @ Gold, but very fine at Plat. SPG has nice resorts all over the world (seems better than HH). Checking on the web last year, I noted that MR tries to collect $30 per extra person per night, on award redemptions?

Have two kids, so not being hit up in this way is important. Also, interested in getting into Resort properties in nice places. How good is Marriott on this, how easy are rewards to get for Gold and Plat.

Finally, any good current promotions? (Mega Bonus? Anything else?)
Thanks!