As a guilty party myself who endorsed the concept of 'there isn't any alternative to using points other than marriott properties'.

i hope we all know that was a "thread momentum" response and Original Post. I think we all just meant if you're really trying to maximize your points-per-dollar, that is the best means.

but i love the ideas others post beyond just a marriott stay - in fact this 135K for $1K vouchers is absolutely incredible.

I just confirmed on about 2 minutes ago - so there we have it ... i just broke my own rule!