I added that part from the Insiders post, which I didn't quite understand. I think you/he means do one booking that sucks up your current points, then make a second reservation that says you still need (all of the) points but doesn't take any because they're already attached (or that's the assumption), and then cancel the first booking to get your original points back? Sounds like hoops to go through.

Also, will the system allow you (in my case/example of Grosvenor House) to book two separate awards for the same property for the same person (ie, me) for the same nights?

Obviously it would be a lot easier & more guest friendly for Marriott Rewards members if Marriott just kept the award booking system the way it's always been with no gaming required.

When chatting with elites of other programs who are thinking of jumping ship to Marriott, in the past we could tout that Marriott allowed you to book ressies without all the points required. Somehow it's not the same to say well you can do award ressies without all the points required, but in order to do so you'll have to make multiple bookings, cancel, & otherwise game the system. Not quite the same ring to it in terms of a competitive advantage.

Cheers.