Well I just bought the 25 points direct. I was actually very impressed with the agent.
I wouldn't have bought 25 points for benefits, I had no intention, having secured my 160 points resale at a fabulous price in January.
However, I realised based on my booking pattern of once every 2 years in a 1 bed for a week to 10 days, that I was potentially about 50 points a time light on points to open up everything with very minimal borrowing.
I looked at 25 point contracts but struggled to find any. I saw some 30 to 50 ones but even Timeshare Store were advertising at $125 a pop with sale pending.
So totally against expectations, I got 25 direct.
Very impressed with agent. Points were 145 a piece but closing only 104 (so maybe saved $400 there?) and of course I got 2017 bankable (Feb use year).
As an added benefit I'm now a blue card holder.
Whilst I'd still never buy a full contract direct unless I absolutely had to have a new resort, if you want a tiny contract add on, it seems the only way to go now. At least DVD make it a good experience.