Thanks Marcell...that post was very well thought out and helpful!
Unfortunately it confirms what I suspected and that is that while Marriott may run quite a bit of promotions, the ones I am after are the points earning type, and they don't seem to run too many of those other than mega bonus. I have the Marriott Credit Card and about 125K in points. I am saving my points for a 5 night stay at the Ritz in either Grand Cayman or Turks and Caicos (assuming it participates in MR Redemption program). It may take a few years as Marriott is a tertiary program for me, but I need my kids to get out of diapers before we make that trip! :-)
Thanks again!