Actually, I made a friendship with the person that sold me my first Westin timeshare and we are still very good friends today, despite the negative view of most TUG participants. We've been friends over 17 years now. I have met many other salespeople that I consider good persons.
Sure, I overpaid, but the program is generally good and I don't blame the salespeople for my lack of knowledge. I found the sales force in Hawaii, where I own 4 weeks, generally low key and respectful. I almost bought at Westin Mission Hills, and also liked my salesperson there. Ultimately, they didn't go forward with the Rancho Mirage resort, so I didn't get anything in that area. I'm glad I didn't, because I didn't know the difference between Voluntary and Mandatory back then.
I take responsibility for figuring out the details of what I am buying. I realize sales people have a job to do, and have to present their product in the best possible light. Just like any other listing realtor, their fiduciary responsibility lies with the seller (Vistana). The Hawaii and Mission Hills salespeople I've dealt with have not lied to me, or have otherwise not been professional. At the time I bought, there was no real aftermarket developed yet. I could have saved a bit, but the perks of buying direct pretty much made up for the difference back then. Aftermarket prices have since dropped significantly. Those prices are up to me to figure out, not for the selling agent to tell me.
