I've been using II a couple of years, and consider myself relatively experienced (lots of good trades).
I got RCI a few months ago, and find it's a great complement. I'd absolutely advocate for picking up a cheap per point (in maintenance fees) RCI points contract.
I use Points within RCI, so here's how I plan to take advantage of each system:
1) When going to Orlando, II is a no brainer with getaways in II
2) If going to just Disney World, I plan on exchanging into DVC.
3) When going to Hawaii, we really like the big island, so we plan on putting in exchange requests will in advance for HGVC resorts, and then try for an additional week at Marriott on one of the other islands for a 2 week vacation.
4) Look for last minute deals when we have flexibility in travel in RCI. I have put a number of vacations on hold, to double check with the work schedule to make sure it could work. If I don't have the option to Hold, I can pay for the exchange and cancel within 24 hours (in practice up to 48 hours).
I have contemplated picking up a Marriott trader for use in II because that adds a different dimension, but my Hyatt has been a good trader and I've been able to get lots of great trips with it.
I compared the systems in general, if you are interested:
What I like about II:
- Getaways are typically more reasonably priced, and a slam dunk for the Orlando area with so many quality Marriott options.
- Higher end resorts in general.
- I prefer the website in general -- easier to find what I want faster.
- ePlus -- seriously, the extra flexibility is such a nice breath of fresh air.
What I like about RCI:
- Weeks inventory gets seriously reduced in points (and I assume in TPU) as it gets closer to check in. I've been able to score a couple of really nice 7500 point exchanges at GREAT resorts.
- Bigger footprint in lots of locations that I would like to visit (but this is a good reason to have both).
- Holding reservations (I have platinum)
- Being able to cancel reservations within 24 hours.
If I had my druthers, this is what I'd like to see RCI do:
- Get their website more responsive (searches are a bit slower than II)
- Adopt an ePlus like product.
- Price Extra Vacations a bit more in-line with the market. I haven't see anything that I could get for significantly cheaper through other means, but I also haven't looked that hard.
This is what I'd like to see II do:
- Lower points requirements for last minute exchanges (this is a Hyatt issue -- there is no flexchange reduced point cost with Hyatt)
- Implement Holds
- Allow cancellations within 24 hours.
- The ability to exchange a studio for a 2 bedroom is just a bit too "cheap". I always hear about people swapping a studio at MGC (Grand Chateau) for MKO (Ko Olina) -- which just seems incredible unbalanced. I know this isn't a popular opinion, but since I'm tied to points, a 2 bedroom exchange in II is 3 times more expensive in points. Obviously my opinion would change if I bought a Marriott

. I think RCI is a bit more "fair" in this respect.