Right, I'm assuming that a 3BR at my certain highly-valued resort will be allotted more points in any new system than a 2BR at the same or a similar resort, based on the fact that Marriott charges a higher purchase price for the extra bedroom. I'd be very surprised if all units - efficiencies, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR - within a same resort will be allotted the same number of points, but if it happens that would certainly change my thinking.
And we've been all up, down and around what you call "points inflation" for the newer resorts as they're brought on line, m. I know you find it difficult to believe and I don't know how many different ways it can be said so that you do believe it, but I do expect and will be okay with the newer resorts having higher point costs than the established resorts if the amenities of the newer resorts are that much superior to the established. Within II now there is definite disparity in the exchange value of the existing resorts, as evidenced by the many "will my XYZ resort pull an ABC resort?" questions here on TUG. Why wouldn't we expect a similar disparity in any other exchange system? The difference will be that in Marriott's system we'll know up front how much value we own, as opposed to II's unpublished guessing game.
Sue-
I agree with you (I know, a shocker
) that IF a newer resort is really a higher quality and IF it is in a location that demands a higher rental price point (since what something rents for, at least for me, reflects an objective valuation between different properties, since Marriott sets rental rates for all properties ties to the same evaluative tool- the number of dollars it costs, presumable related to the amount someone is willing to pay) then it deserves a higher valuation. Where we disagree is that IF a new resort is built with more amenities but in a location that doesn't command the rental price on the fair market, then the valuations should also reflect that. For instance, they built Marco upscale and charged a ludicrous price for the units, but that doesn't make them worth it. If Marriott can't rent Marco for more money than let's say a summer HH week (and I haven't checked, so I am just using an example here) then regardless of the quality, the location may not demand the price, and the points allotted shouldn't be more.
I guess where we disagree is that I think location plays perhaps as big or bigger a part in the value formula as quality. On the other hand, if the next resort is a HH built to Marco specs, for example, then I would expect it to have a higher valuation set.
So, I am ok with newer resorts having higher values set IF both the amenities and the location dictate higher value. There is a reason why even exactly the same quality building commands a different price in different locations. What I am NOT ok with is if Marriott feels it has carte blanche to set values in order to convey a sense of "enhanced" value and promote sales, which is a real possibility if it retains a home resort system. Starwood has done it, and it hasn't benefited anyone.
Using the Starwood example- ask a non Harborside or non-WSJ owner if they can ever reserve prime weeks through the Starwood system at the 8 month mark. Part of the reason there is that unit values were set years back, and newer resorts but in less prime locations in some instances have a higher point valuation, so owners there either use or rent, or trade privately.
I am not saying Marriott will play fast and loose, but I am concerned that they will set valuations based on their own agenda, esp. in the future, which may leave current owners short and, as I've illustrated with the Starwood example, may not be good for either current or future buyers, who would likely suffer from a lack of availability of some great current resorts if that's the case.
It goes without saying that I'd expect different unit sized to be allotted different points.
And I could envision an ideal system where having the flexibility of points, switching between 2 or 3 BR units (or smaller) depending upon one's needs, would be a great option and allow for maximum flexibility as family dynamics change. I am just not sure that if Marriott has additional latitude that it will always do what's best for you and me.
