Welcome to TUG. You will find that although it can be kind of a love/hate thing, most people here - or the regulars anyway - are pretty satisfied with their vacation experience using timeshares (and I'm using that term generically to include point systems, etc.)
A lot of it has to do with educating oneself to get the most of what you have. Many started here like you, feeling ripped off and disgruntled. And it's definitely harder to "work the system" than it used to be.
So I'd have to say that personally, I don't see timeshares as a negative thing.
Now, timeshare presentations and salespeople are definitely not looking out for the customer's best interests. I think you will find you are preaching to the choir with that sermon.
Again, welcome to TUG
Bev