The membership provides pretty good value for people who travels. The cost of the membership might seems high at the first look. But think about annual 30,000 points you get for being a member, you can use the membership year after year. A night a JW Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong uses 3,500 points, a week at Marriott in Hawaii uses 23,000 points. If you do travel frequently and use the Marriott network of hotels around the world, you will find your membership worth the cost.
While I agreed that the sales presentation was a bit high pressure, you can always say no if you don't need the membership they offer. I bought it not because I don't know how to say NO, but because I find value in being a member.
There are 2 sides to the same coin and I like to look at the both sides and make my own choice. Make no mistake, I am not here to promote the membership. I am just making a fair and honest comment.