Yes two positive changes.

1) No blackouts for those that need them --not everyone does.
2) Elite Bonus increase from 30% to 50%

3) I don't believe that the 5th night "free" is a positive since the point savings from the old schedule to the new is 0%,-7%,-4.8% and -5.9% (in categories 1-4) but is still increases of +5.3%, +9.1%, +7.7% and 23.1% (in categories 5-8).

Negative changes.

1) Creation of Category 8 hotels--only effects those who choose to stay in these elite properties. The prime hotels which happen to be cities of New York(top 3 properties), Paris (2 properties), London (5 properties)& Rome (only property in town) to name popular locations. Significant.

2) These new Category 8 hotels can still apply blackouts.

3) Point increase that affect EVERYONE. The most increase hits 60% for a 7-night award. Most families take a 1 week or 7 night vacation. In Categories 6, 7 & 8 the changes are 14 increases in excess of 20%.

4) The large increase of 7-night Travel Package which affects everyone who choose to use this Award Type.

5) Elimination of graduated point scale which reduced the average points used per award for the longer you stayed. Effects everyone!

6) No adjustment of timeshare exchanges for points. Only effects those who own timeshares.

Conclusion based upon this information plus the negative opinions of 90% of the 601 posts on Marriott Rewards Insiders these changes are more negative than positive.