With the strong showing by http://www.biddingfortravel.com and to a lessor extent other sites, I think PCLN has pretty much decided that their revenue is going to come from the actual fees they charge, and not so much overbidding, especially as hotel rates on PCLN seem to be creeping up bit by bit.

Have you stayed at the Marriott Sydney Harbour? I did in January on a PCLN stay and I not only earned points but they put me on a club floor and I had no status at the time. The club lounge is beyond amazing, best spread of food and alcohol I've ever seen. The pool is the only thing average about this property, the rest is just splendid. Only hotel I've ever stayed at with live plants in the room. I had two PCLN reservations and they combined them into one before I even got there. Just a great property.