flanbarr -
what am I missing?
In the first post you are leaving SPG because of bennies, property mix, and nicer properties - along with a ressie system glitch annoyance.
Two posts later you are switching back to SPG because they fixed the system glitch.
What happened to the bennies, property qualities and mix?
Then back to Marriott due to the great bennies - but your earnings are primarily through the credit card?
You keep mentioning the Gold Bennies at Ren TS being "aplenty". What exactly do you mean by that? I have stayed at the Ren, and was not impressed with the bennie package!
Here are some thoughts -
1) if you do not travel very often, "bennies" should be the least of your concerns. Good pricing (with a free breakfast or other family friendly activity) will pay off far more for you - especially in resorts.
2) "Bennies" only really apply at top hotels in each chain. You mention SPG has no comp to CY - there are no bennies in a CY!
Instead of comparing properties solely on points, try looking at the room size, offerred activities your families will enjoy, hotel location.
You can always use your "points" for airfare!