I would be interested in the influence of travel agents. Do hotels really pay more attention to agencies who are part of the Virtuoso network, AmexPlat, Lindblad, etc.? Do their customers truly receive preferential treatment; if so, what happens to the commissions at the front desk (which you suggested in another thread) which are based on up-selling?
p.s. thanks for listening and posting this as a separate topic...this is going to be one great thread.