For anyone having problems with their Marriott points not posting after a few days...

A friend of mine bought several batches of points and was berated by Marriott Customer Services in the UK for buying points within 24 hours of opening an account. He was also fobbed off by being constantly told to phone back 24 or 48 hours later, which he did and the points had still not posted. He finally decided to call the US number and they sorted his account out for him and let him sort out his travel packages on the phone as well as purchase some extra MR points.

As the deadline is fast approaching it will be worth getting any problems ironed out asap.

Incidentally, Marriott wrote to me today letting me know about their Visa card and offer of 10,000 Bonus MR points. In light of the impending changes, I don't know how useful these points will be, as I won't be racking up any points actually staying at Marriott and I will no longer be able to use purchased points to redeem for a reward.