I've heard of people booking Award rooms online in their name and then telephoning HHonors to change the name to that of a family member or friend. Others state that they just put the friend's name as a second guest and that causes no problem. For numerous years, the correct way to gift a room has been to ring Hhonors and get the Award certificate and room booked in the name of the actual guest that you are gifting the room too. Never a problem and the system works. From your experience, it seems that they are now refusing to change the name of the guest if the Award is booked online in the member's name.
I was unable to do through both methods (fresh reservation or changing name of guest), however I will give them another call.
edit: they are still not budging
edit: 4th rep was able to do it for me as a fresh reservation. i believe they no longer allow changes to the name on existing reservations, and in the process some of the reps are confused that you can actually still book as a fresh reservation.