Typically, I don't dine in the CL (breakfast or evening). As far as the layout; some are better than others. Personnally, I enjoy the comfy feel of the couch/chairs. On the rare occasion I eat in the CL (evening snack or dessert); I plop myself down on the couch and munch.

Overall, I use the CL's for cold soft drinks/water; since most Marriotts don't provide an in-room refrig.