I remember reading somewhere on this site about getting breakfast for 2 at my level, titanium lifetime, for Aloft properties. I had never stayed at Aloft but my wife and daughter were staying at one so I told her to inquire (She is same level). This saved her a nice $10 voucher per person, 2 nights, ($40 total) and she was able to try their poached eggs. Little bit of a "grab and go" meal but suited their travel needs. Also at a recent stay at a Marriott in Hilton Head they provided me the coupons (I didn't have to ask), and I only had to pay a $6 upcharge for a full buffet per person which otherwise would have been $25 each. So it pays to know your benefits and then ask for them. Have others had to ask for their benefits or has it just been automatic?
More often than not, the front desk associate mentions my status and reminds me about the perks that come with it (breakfast, lounge access, upgraded internet, etc.). I've found it comes down to how engaged/knowledgeable the associate is. On the rare occasions that breakfast isn't mentioned, I will ask. I make a lot of weekend stays when many properties close the concierge lounge. Probably 9 times out of 10 (when in that situation), I am handed a voucher for breakfast along with my room keys without having to ask.
In my experience it all comes down to the person behind the desk. Most know to acknowledge status and explain the benefits. Usually when that doesn't happen, it turns out the person is relatively new and doesn't know all the ins and outs of the Bonvoy program. Sometimes we (Insiders) know more about the program than many Marriott employees (especially the newer ones).
I'd say the most important thing is to know what benefits your status should get you and if they aren't mentioned, ask for them. If you don't know what you should get and neither does the person behind the desk, you'll end up going without. Luckily, most of the time, the benefits are automatic.