The properties you have listed as far as I know do participate but may also be among the more popular for HHonor members, hence the difficulty in getting awards.
It helps if you are flexible( sometimes very) and try to book well in advance. Availibility is also dependent on local holidays in addition to the US holidays, when I suspect less rooms made available for award stays. Keep calling back (and try the HHonor service center at off-peak hours) I couldnt get a reasonable room in Scottsdale ist week Nov, then 9/11 and rooms rates fell 50% or more.
Mike
P.S. I am only Gold too.
[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 12-27-2001).]