Knowing that this is not a strategy for everyone but after spending some time thinking about the upcoming "enhancements" to MR and the slowing economy i am seriously considering ordering gift cheques instead of travel packages.

While the 0,74 cent face value per point (1.000$/135.000 points) might look shabby in the first place it isnt that bad if taking a closer look. Those spent 1.000 $ will generate at least 15.000 MR points (FS Hotels, Plat. Member) plus any applicable stay/night promo bonus Marriott might offer as incentive during recession year 2009. Also one should not forget that those paid nights do count as "night credit" and therefore will help to qualify/requalify for a higher status/lifetime status without spending additional $$$ to accomplish that goal.