Hey, if you're all so steamed about the "meager" offerings in the lounge, how about closing the lounge altogether in favor of a credit in the dining room? Seems to work at the Stanford Renaissance - they give out $15.00 credit plus a free in room movie plus discount on appetizers. Gee, its gotta be better than what you're all describing in the lounges. With this program, the property is able to manage costs better. The downside is that, instead of walking a little ways to the lounge, one has to actually (gasp!) travel to the dining area. And (gosh!) you'd have to mingle with non elites. .
At least for me, you're missing the main point. The CL meets a business need for me, a quick reasonably decent breakfast and quick access to coffee/soft drinks while I am working in my hotel room. I could adjust to lack of soft drinks, though I really do like the coffee. The in-room coffee is not an acceptable substitute. Without these perks, there is really no reason to go full service over a limited service property like CY, SHS, FI, etc. The delta in the quality of the room furnishings doesn't justify the price differential.