If you can't use the DVC points rent them and either pay cash for the desired destination or look at renting thru TUG, Redweek, etc.Most seem to agree that the II destination list was better than RCI. But one of the drawbacks of II was that DVC resorts weren't given very much trading power in their system (too many Orlando-area resorts) which meant many of the top destinations were virtually unobtainable.
I don't know that there has been enough experience with RCI to know how DVC members will do trading out.
All of that said--I still think the best approach is to use DVC points for DVC stays and find other avenues for staying elsewhere.
There's lots of talk around here about RCI so I'm wondering....Is it a blessing or a curse (compared to the old World Passport trades)? Personally, I'm not thrilled about the HI options (except Hilton Hawaiian Village)....not much to choose from on Kauii or Maui. And, most of the ski trades are not slopeside or ski in/ski out. However, I don't have anything to compare it to. Comments from those who know????
This was considered in 2006 when Ken May (Former DVC top dog) and RCI made the last bid for DVC's participation. The problem with dual affiliation is you lose any leverage for special consideration and concessions. There are not as many resorts as you think that are truly dually affiliated in that new buyers could participate in either exchange company and that the home resort system actively works with both companies on an ongoing basis. It's much like the HMO when they contract with some physicians but not all. If you open it up to all, there's no incentive for any concessions. If you limit participation, you get better prices. Of course you have to balance that with enough choices of physicians and other services that use the hospitals you also contract with, at least to be successful.Personally, I wish they would have offered DVC access to BOTH exchange companies. I have timeshares that trade through both companies and I use both for different resorts. But I personally think II (Interval) has more high end brands that I like to stay at.
That was my point, while they may be listed with both, it's not an equal listing and in the case of resorts still in new sales, new owners often don't have the choice of both. I think both II and RCI rate them down if they are not the PREFERRED exchange company. RCI rated Marriott down when they changed over though they won't admit it. Giving up both the internal exchange preference AND a potential bonus week wouldn't make sense for you, esp since you're looking at HI with two Westin's on your preferred islands and a Sheraton on the way on Kauai all in II.
Well I guess they want to keep it all for you mandatory 5* types.
I do think the choices for Maui are kind of sad now - no Marriotts or Westins.You say that like its a bad thing?
mandatory table. 
DVC has chose not to arrange access to the short term rentals and reduced rates inside the 45-60 day window. I would definitely agree that a balanced portolio is a great option. We have DVC, trading Marriott's, Marriott's to use, RCI points and Bluegreen which can be used directly, deposited to RCI OR II and can be deposited points for deposit.It's really weird in RCI how the older Marriotts that are still in RCI don't show the Marriott name.
One thing I like about RCI with having an individual membership is their "Last Call" deals. Especially for Gatlinburg. It's too bad that DVC couldn't have worked out some kind of deal for the members to have access to Last Calls and Extra Vacation Getaways. When my parents bought their II affiliated timeshare, one of the perks the salesman stressed to them was having access to Getaways. It actually pushed them over the edge to buy.
I like owning a stable so to speak of ownerships. We like owning DVC points to have the ability to book on property when we want, I like owning my Marriott for what it offers, and I like my dual affiliated resort that gave me access to RCI, too. Just owning DVC points couldn't offer everything I wanted.
RCI has some nice resorts - the Hiltons come to mind.
It wouldn't have to. Wyndham owners have individual accounts but also have search-first for a spot-check. However, we cannot initiate an ongoing search without depositing.
I was referring to the ability for an ongoing search first, not just an immediate search without depositing.
