I can't (and certainly dont want) to speak for the other poster, but I know that a lot of FTers use the term "kettle" as an abbreviation of sorts for "non-frequent, priceline-styled, vacation travelers". I apologize if that description offends you but you have to admit we (frequent flyers and/or FTers) are a different breed entirely.

As for the hotel status, I told a GA when they were assigning hotels that that particular flight was going to put me over the edge for 2P, and she just smiled and said "well then you get to go to the nice hotel, and thanks for flying UA" or words to that effect.
I guess it depends on the airport and situation.