The sticking point is that the actual T&C's are very specific and state "suites excluded."

All other Kimpton web communications (FT, Twitter, Facebook) explain that upgrades are not guaranteed (most of us understand that they never were) and that if suites are available the property can choose to upgrade a guest to those rooms at their discretion.

I don't see the need to mention suites at all in the T&C's. That would match the message from the Karma team. Problem solved.