I have had no-show stays at several hotels before and I've always had them removed with one of the following scenarios:

1) Just ask real nicely (usually works at low to mid-tier hotels)
2) Speak to accounting the next day, telling them that I will book future stays (usually works at mid to top tier hotels since I work for a fortune 100 company and my clients are usually that size too)
3) Ask them if they were sold out. If not, point out that they did not lose any revenue by not being able to sell my empty room. (Worked to convince one GM)

If those 3 points fail I fully expect to pay the charge.. I've been lucky so far, but if I get hit with a no-show charge when the hotel is full, that's what I expect. If the hotel's not full I expect to beg and plead and usually point #3 combined with elite status and my corporation's weight is usually enough. But if not, I grumble, pay the fee, and move on.

PS - My experience has been primarily at Marriott properties and everytime I am past the cancellation window I hvae to deal with the individual property. Central reservations can't do anything at that point.