Originally Posted by
bassmanben
In general, all of the recent changes to marriott seem to me like they are attempting to get rid of the "Cheap Elites" - those who stay in $65 fairfield inns in rural areas and reap the benefits from doing that with promos, etc.
If they wanted to get rid of cheap elites, why would they sponsor a credit card that grants automatic silver status and 15 nights? Besides, Fairfield Inns in rural areas must contribute to Marriott's bottom line or they'd have spun them off.