Recently at an HIX, I overheard a more "veteran" clerk telling her "junior" something to the effect of "if an elite asks for an upgrade, give it to them!" He asked something I don't quite recall (having to do with juggling suites?), but I recall her response of " ... because elites complain about (report to IHG?) 'bad' stays." I think most managers know that walking Plats will result in unfavorable publicity. Moreover, they're unlikely to walk guests booked via the IHG website where they'd have to "eat" the night.