Yes I have, It has been on Marriott.com before this article referenced was posted. Common sense tells us normal redemption rates just wont apply. Its all part of some deception. hopefully ill be proved wrong.
Remember a short time ago STR NYC was always 30K points and now its 100K on sought after days. There were a ton of hotels that were so much cheaper to book even on the low side of dynamic pricing. This is just the beginning. Their earnings calls tell it all. Instead of taking the SPG approach of loyalty they are taking the HIGH road for HIGH money (so they believe).
Members for the time being, are less happy then before. Their member rate for stays is at a all time high, somewhere like 63% of guests are members. Now just imagine a percent of those being unhappy and having alternative options.
Sometimes you just gotta be realistic.
This is just noise on the outside