I use a legitimate promotion code which I am entirely entitled to.
If the policy is to apply coupons at the end of the rental period so be it, if they can apply it form the get go... why not?
Why waste my time arguing about something I was entitled to after I return the car if it can be done initially without an argument. After all if there was a mistake they could always say... well you've used the car, you saw your contract so you agreed to the price listed on it.