We've owned and exchanged since 1998. There have always been changes that required we modify our exchange behavior and, at times, even what/where we owned. This is no different. It will change how members exchange. It will make some things more easily available, some less so.
This past year I've been fortunate enough to rid ourselves of three timeshare ownerships. I had the foresight to join internal exchange programs when I could. I am down to one unit that we might lock-off for a studio unit to exchange into a larger unit and, even that particular unit we don't like to lock off, even though we don't need the space.
Adaptation is what you have to be good at with timeshare ownership as the playing field continues to change. For some it means getting out, others will adapt. I see an end to the value of timeshare exchange for us in the future but, for now, there remains some value. We are down from 4 or 5 I.I. exchanges to 1 or 2 per year. It's very likely we'll be down to zero exchanges in the near future.
I've preached own where you're happiest going and/or in a system your happiest remaining in. As the exchange companies find new ways to bill owners, I feel that's becoming more important as time goes by.
