Many years ago, there were reports by Marriott timeshare owners that if you charged to your room you had a better chance to receive credit for the nights stayed. After reading those reports, I started charging bread or some sundry from the MarketPlace. I always received credit when charges were made. The last several years, charging was no longer necessary at Marriott's. If you had your Marriott rewards number, you received credit.
When staying at Vistana, I will start the practice again of charging to the room especially after seeing this post. I may even do so at Marriotts until this is fixed. I have an upcoming stay at Vistana Villages. I'll charge something to the room and report back regarding the nights credited. Meanwhile, I recommend charging something to the room.