Ok, I wasn't aware that Travel Agents immediately confirm booking. If that's the case, then I'm sure this line of thought isn't going to go anywhere with them.

If anybody else has anecdotal evidence of this working or not working with Ctrip, I would still appreciate hearing it.

It's unfortunate because ctrip is consistently cheaper for most hotels in China, but you don't get points/stay credits when you book through them. I'll just have to balance if the rate difference is worth the points.