Unfortunately, I believe only a small percentage of retail buyers figure out what they've done, before its too late. Most retail buyers aren't thinking about the resale implications of their "pre-paid vacations."
This is what this forum is for. Warn people to be careful when they buy on impulse and it doesn't matter where it is and from what developer. Also help them make the best of the timeshare and the exchange game once you own it which the forum does.
Personally, I didn't like that Marriott changed the reservation system once we owned it but they can do it as it is spelled out in the documents. It definitely made reservation at our resort a lot more difficult so you can take it or leave it and move on.
The Marriott is out to make the most money for their investors but I believe that they owe loyalty to their customers but also to the little ones (one week owners) or they should make you aware that making reservations is very hard for a holiday week when you buy so people are aware of it.
The Marriott and all other developers make you believe that exchanging is a piece of cake and making reservations is your right but they don't tell you that it depends on how good a customer you are. This is my gripe.
What should have been done right from the beginning besides having different prices for the best season but also have different maintenance fees for highly demanded weeks and the system would be so much fairer. Right now, the best weeks are having a big advantage of the maintenance fees that weak weeks also have to pay but I know that some States do not allow different pricing. That is your Government meddling with private enterprise. JMHO.
Of course, this is a perk some of us have and I am not complaining about that but is very unfair. I know that some of you do not agree and certainly not the ones who profit by renting the best weeks out. I even read that they do this via Red Week so more of the best weeks are rented out that owners cannot get and Marriott can't even stop it even if they would like to.
Some people are just greedy and don't care about other owners.