For me mostly, the switch to RCI Points has mostly been the last minute exchanges
Michael,
I understand I don't lose the underlying week. I'm just not convinced that converting to points will gain me anything. I get some pretty good trades the way it is now. I don't know what I would get if I switched to points.
Do you have flexibility to travel on last minute availabilities? Are you looking to get more vacations out of your one week's worth of maintenance fees (plus exchange fees)?
I have made 3 full point exchanges since getting into points a couple of years ago (July on the Outer Banks 2BR and Easter week beachfront on Cable Beach 3BR). I cancelled an Easter week 2 bedroom at OKW in Disney. These aren't exchanges to turn your nose up at in my opinion (dog locations during dog weeks, ha!). The rest of my exchanges (and there have been many) have been in the 45 day or less range (6000-9000 points). I see lots of stuff all the time in the last minute window. If you have a degree of flexibility, there always seems to be availability (mostly after midnight online). These are prime locations for the season, many during holiday weeks. I saw many Easter Weeks in great warm locations at great resorts (1-3 bedrooms).
If you find RCI Points don't work for you, it's not something that you have to stay in. You will still have that underlying week.
There are two very strong sides on the Points debate here on TUG. As has been suggested, perhaps wait and see what RCI has up its sleeve for the Weeks side. Keep researching it in the meantime. Ultimately, your decision. Base it on the best decision you can make for youself after weighing the potential benefits versus the money spent to convert and finding it doesn't work for you.