Not sure why you call the 714 award a scam -- this seems to be more of an issue with United and how they manage their FF program.

I believe the value of the 714 award (may it rest in peace) is well documented -- you get 240,000 FF miles for 212,500 Marriott points (assuming you trade the 2 hotel portions back in for 212,500 points). When you consider the value of a FF mile is $0.02/mile and the Marriott point is worth maybe $0.015/ mile (at most) that's a great trade.