I am trying to figure out if I should jump in on this as I am eligible. I would be trying to maximize the $ and points scenario. What are you thoughts on the following?

Scenario- Trip planned for Marriott in the Caribbean…7 nights…approximately $571 for the room per night….so the total anticipated bill would be about $4000. No incidentals or other charges are assumed. I am Plat, would use my Marriott Visa to pay for the room and/or gift cards. Per my calculations:

Without the Gift Card and paying as usual

- $4000 spent on room= 40,000 base points + 30% Plat bonus (12,000) plus 500 plat gift + 12,000 (VISA at 3 points per $)…..grand total of 64,500 points

Purchasing $4000 of gift cards at $3600 (10% discount)

- $4000 spent on room= 40,000 base points + 30% Plat bonus (12,000) plus 500 plat gift + 4,000 (VISA at 1 points per $)…..grand total of 56,500 points

Bottom line is that I save $400 cash money but lose 8000 points…..A good deal in my mind.

Should I change my earnings on MR to Skymiles (instead of MR points) to earn the extra 2 Skymiles per US dollar spent plus the 1000 mile bonus? But I also lose out on the MR Points game.