Lifetime Platinum member here. The new elite line doesn't feel elite at all. You have to step through more phone prompts than with making a typical non-member reservation with Choice Hotels. In other words, making a res at a Sleep Inn is now more pleasant than working one's way through the Marriott top member phone tree. Used to be the Marriott LIVE rep recognized you straight away via caller ID. NOW the recording says I'm not recognized and my phone number is not in the system. It has been on my profile for several years.
Come on, Marriott. Nearly a 1,000 nights with you and this is the best you can do? I presume there are others out there with even more nights racked up than I who are irritated and befuddled.
Marriott posted a notice on their website about the call centers. This might be why you're experiencing problems.