My source is directly Marriott. Your source is wrong, as usual.
If you would bother reading the rate rules yourself, instead of relying on rumors, you could easily see it. Shouldn't be hard even for you. The fact that you abused the rate for a while, does not mean you were doing it legitimately.
When I first heard of TVL years ago, I had the common sense to verify what it was before booking, and save myself embarrassing explanations to the hotel, and to why there was no hotel at the last minute. That could be crucial in long international flights, and it is part of the logistic planning that every professional should take into consideration. TVL applies to NATC (travel agents) and Commercial Airlines. It has been that for many years. (I would not be surprised if the abuse of it was what make the change in points policy happened.) But I guess booking hotels is above your paygrade.
One must wonder what else you oversee base on rumors.