Yeah, I just thought it was odd because the code obviously limited the hotel choices, it's just that the code didn't seem to give you any different rates than normal.
If it helps, I was looking at Hilton Head for 8/31-9/4. I know it's Labor Day weekend so wasn't really expecting to find much.
But now I did find something weird because I was curious and looked at random other dates and places. In Charlotte several options came up, and for example the SpringHill Suites by the airport came up at $139 for this "special rate," but the "rate rules" don't say anything about what makes it special...especially since you can get a room for $89 under the standard rate section.