Great discussion with valid points all around. I also think the limitations of resale points for future resorts is an issue that isn't brought up enough in these discussions. But I also see the argument that it might not matter much in practice. As for this....
Yes, this is the DVC attitude, and truth be told I cannot imagine paying cash rates for anything Disney-related anymore. The sole exception is the
Disneyland Hotel for it's unique place in Disney history, the pools, lack of DVC alternatives on site, and the high cost of our VGC points... if we run out of those, we aren't buying more, so we can augment w/DLH.
But if I'm in a situation to pay cash at WDW, I'm more inclined to consider buying more points than paying out of pocket... not sure if that's rational or not. But the $$$ I drop on a moderate hotel for a week is a nice down payment on a new chunk of points. The points have forever changed my mentality, for better or worse.
While technically cash is an option, in practice it just isn't for me (and others, by the sound of it). I enjoy your posts
@jerseyduke, just wanted to share my thoughts on this one issue.