Is the final word on this topic that unused 713 hotel certificates can be extended throgh 7/31/02 or redeemed back for 50,000 points?

The original 713 certificate was good for seven nights at virtually any Marriott hotel or resort. I just used one at the J.W. Marriott in Oahu (great resort) and have one unused certifiacte that expires later this month. I was originally told (one year ago) the certificate could be extended one year for a fee. Now it seemd it can be extended only through 7/31/02 or redeemed back for a mere 50,000 points.

If I'm not mistaken, a seven night stay at a catagory 6 hotel is now 140,000 points, and Marriott will now give me 50,000 for the certificate, or 2 and one-half nights? Now that's inflation (or deflation of the award certificate)! Any advice?