We got a PIN code three years in a row and this year we got nothing! We always booked and went, so we didn't waste them. I search the WDW web site all the time, plan trips, save the trip info before I book, order maps, read their blogs...you get the picture. I really have no idea why or how someone gets a code. I know it can't be because they want to entice a customer back who hasn't been in awhile because we go every year, always have. We don't have AAA, we book right thru the Disney site or on the phone with Disney. I would gladly accept a PIN code now tho!
We got them so frequently that my husband got used to them, expected them even, he knows different this year! It really doesn't matter to us, we are going again this September, just like always, only this time we will have to save more money in advance to pay off the slightly more expensive trip.
I challenged my husband to plan a vacation for 7 days (anywhere) and with a budget like we have for our annual trip to WDW, we'll see if he can match it. I have serious doubts he can. WDW is still a great value to us, we enjoy every second of being there, to us it is our "all inclusive" happy place.