I don't think they're "totally independent", leeky, they are very much part of the Marriott family. But, as with Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Marriott chooses (as they have every right to) not to have those properties participate in MR.

So, Wally3433, the point of Bvlgari is to make money for Marriott. They think they can do that better by appealing to a clientele who are not into earning and redeeming points. So I agree it's kind of a big tease, but not a big deal in the grand scheme...