Your two sentences sort of contradict each other. And as for Chinese government non-incentive, you are incorrect. The granting of 12 month multi-entry tourist and business visas to US citizens (when applying in the USA) is covered by special treaty between the Chinese and US governments. It now seems to be the standard visa being given out to US citizens in the USA who ask for it (and sometimes even if you don't ask for it), the only variable is duration of stay limits. I currently have one for 90 days per stay, moondog above has one for 120 days per stay, 60 days per stay is also common. I'd say right now it's more UNcommon to only receive a single entry visa or 30 days per entry, unless that's what you requested.

All bets are off if you are a US citizen applying OUTside the USA, as treaty provisions don't apply and you are at the mercy of whatever the local Consulate is giving out at that moment.