That is partially true, but RCI requires the resorts affiliated with them to send updated pictures of the interior and exterior of the resort annually and also to update the activities which are available at the resort. All improvements to the resort has a direct bearing on the rating and often the more activities available the better the rating. There are a lot of things that go into establishing the different ratings.If the owners are not happy and voice complaints to RCI, their complaints also do influence the rating as was the case with the Sapphire Resort in St. Maarten.