You say you can handle the torture, I have to wonder why anyone would waste a significant portion of their vacation time doing this, although I do understand that there are twisted folk who enjoy playing with these sales-creeps.
I agree with Chewie. The reps are not necessarily twisted or sales-creeps. There is a lot at stake. They work on 100% commission and their take from an individual deal is an estimated 11% to 13%.
I have been through six presentations over the years...most were "owner updates." A few were really high pressure...all were annoying. At one recent presentation at the HGVC office in BI, one rep stated, that for me to receive additional bonus points, she had to take it out of her 2 1/2% commission. This was an outright lie. She also acted as if I had committed a crime when she discovered I had also bought re-sale. "We know everything about you" was her comment. Gee, so what!
Seasoned sales managers are very good at sizing you up and telling you what you want to hear. Once you feel they are a "friend" and on your side, that's when they got you. A lot of what they say and do is unethical, but since these tactics are so widespread, HGVC corporate must at least condone, if not encourage, such practices.
On the other hand, it can be a two-way street. I have also seen owners berate and belittle sales managers when it's not necessary. Why waste their time (and yours,) if you have no intention of purchasing anything? If you go to a sales presentation and work with an honest rep, you might be able to get a deal that includes an upgrade and decent bonus points. It would be of course always be more expensive than re-sale. There are a lot of people out there with a mix of developer and re-sale ownership. I know this goes against TUG canon, but in some cases (not all,) it's not a bad position to be in. HGVC doesn't look at you as a total outcast and you enjoy the benefits of direct purchase. You will also have saved thousands through re-sale. It all really depends on what your goals are.