In around October of 2008 we inquired into a timshare in Florida for a friend. When we made contact with RCI we let them know it wasn't for us (we are members), but we were looking into the booking for friend who didn't yet have definite arrangements. The agent on the phone could not get us a unit available on exchange, but only for full rental fees. I had never heard of that arrangement before. We asked if we could make a tentative reservation (they also make it seem like if you don't book it NOW, it will be gone in 5 minutes), but cancel if our friend didn't want it. We were told yes.
Well, our friend didn't want to spend the nearly $900 for the unit plus airfare. When we called to cancel the reservation we were told we couldn't cancel, we could only exchange.

This put us in a serious financial hardship as my husband had been recently disabled and we had no income.

As RCI members, why would we ever pay for a unit when we can get one anywhere, anytime for $250?

After many phones calls, and discussions and arguments, the most they would do was change the date and the unit.

I called the resort and asked for their rates:

Silver Lake Resort, Orlando - and the rate is only $89/night for a 1 br, and $109 for a 2 br. RCI charged us almost $130/night for the $89 room at this resort, which is also $20 more per night than the resort's high rate.

Who would possibly pay that if they can get it directly from the resort for less?
This is how RCI treats its paying members.

I have had nothing but problems and disappointments with them.

They are a terrible, money-grubbing company that cares nothing about customer service. Every conversation with them is a high-pressure sales pitch. There is no service or concern for customer needs.

Class action suit, anyone? If so, I'm in.

So, what is the benefit of membership?