Honestly, the current setup doesn't bother me much: if it were the other way around (earn - yes, redeem - no) I think a lot more of us would be upset. In general, my business travel doesn't send me to Ritz locations, and even if it did I wouldn't stick my clients with a Ritz bill unless I somehow got it in the regular Marriott/Westin/Hilton price range. For me, this brand is purely a leisure destination, so I'm happy that I can use points there if I choose.

I just wish there were Travel Packages that included Ritz.