HGI breakfasts seem to vary from $8-$13 (the HGI typically are $100-$150) so I can see why it would significantly influence the choice of hotels when one can go to most highway chain restaurants (Dennys, IHOP etc) and get about the same breakfast for $5-$8. Usually there is a Hampton Inn, Fairfield, Choice, HIEx within 5 mi of every HGI if one want free breakfasts and cheaper rooms.
MisterNice