Last month I redeemed 205,000 points for a T2i Camera and have recieved 5 different notifications that the camera is backordered from Skymall due to "unexpected demand". There was no mention of backorder when I placed the order. When I inquired to Marriott rewards customer service I was told they (Marriott) have no control over the issue and Skymall needs to be contacted. Marriott has obviously ceded control of merchandise redemption to Skymall.
To make matters worse, you can order and pay cash from Skymall and get the same camera overnight if you want to pay an extra thirty dollars for shipping. I called Skymall and pretended to be interested in buying the exact same camera. I got a verbal confirmation that the camera was available and ready to ship the next day !!! Next day i recieved yet another notification that the rewards camera was yet again delayed.

I have written Mr. Marriott at Corporate, but am not holding my breath that they will respond.