Although I am a relative newcomer on Flyertalk, one of the reasons that I enjoy these board(s) is because most persons posting here are sensible and passionate about their loyalty to Marriott...but the other half of that coin is the passion I sense when I hear some of those same people list their complaints.

I don't understand why Marriott would alienate government contractors, I am not personally affected but it seems a to be a very bad business decision to me.

As a loyal customer, when I join a rewards program it is because I expect to be rewarded for my loyalty. I don't expect to have my hard earned points devalued or for a large number of potential hotels that I may wish to spend my hard earned points to stay at to categorized upward to fleece me of more points. I don't like to be taken for a "sap".

I am sensing that a lot of people posting here are feeling the same way.

Does Marriott do a lot right? Of course or I wouldn't be a Rewards Member. But don't cross the "sap" line too far or I am stupid enough to take my business elsewhere because it's going to make me feel better.