I expect rooms will narturally be available next year - so you will find more available rooms, not necessary because of more rooms allocated, but because of the economy being very weak next year. Hence the timing to do it now, while Marriott projects less rooms being used all of next year, so it will appear as an advantage in the program.

Once economy recovers, more people will actually pay for travel and the desired dates will again be limited.

Also will be an advantage to get members use as many points from MR huge balance as possible next year to help provide some income to hotels in a form of award stays. After next year cost in points per room will go up and/or availability will be limited.

TL