I haven't personally been to Newport Coast. That said, while the TUG reviews are (presumably) by Timeshare owners, and possibly more in the know people, I also find that they trend higher than I would rate places. I'm often 2 points lower than the average. I don't think I'm an unfair reviewer (though who does?) - you can look at my abridged reviews for free, or at my TUG reviews to get a feel, as well as my free Youtube videos. What I am is somewhat methodical and try and follow the TUG rating legend.
For instance, I might have a lot of fun somewhere like HICV Oak N Spruce, and even recommend it quite a bit, but can't give it higher than a 6.5 simply because the beds made it extremely difficult for me to sleep at night.
Anyway, I've seen enough TUG 8+ average ratings at places that are firmly (for me anyway) 6.5 and below, so I'd still take them with a grain of salt.
OTOH, I've seen enough forum posts unsolicited talking about how much TUG members liked NCV that I certainly would love to try them, but IDK if I'd ever get a 2BR with my third party traders.