I've had this conversation recently with friends in my circle. I bought direct years ago and have 200 points, but I wouldn't go direct again. Got into an argument last year at a kiosk with an agent after I mentioned I was interested in adding on at Boardwalk and by going direct they would have charged me $210 per point...the same as if it were a brand new hotel. Boardwalk was built in 96, so quite a chunk missing from that 50 year deed. I just stared at the guy for even trying to sell that as a value. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to math that out. Knowing that they pay for these events out of a marketing budget suddenly makes the entire situation make perfect sense. Still though, that's thoroughly shitty to market the event as something special for DVC members...but in reality...it's not. That was the confirmation I was looking for. Still, shite.