Maybe people on this thread have some insight to share. I typically rent class G - Premium. My track record has been great with good vehicles, however yesterday I rented at my first Ultimate Choice location and the board directed me to the five star section (as per status). None of the cars there were close to a class G, so I shared my observation of the attendant who said to just take anything I wanted from President's Circle (ended up with a YI Avalon 2k miles). My question is with Ultimate choice would it not just be better for me to rent a intermediate and then pay the $35 for an upgrade? Those upgrade choices always seem to be mid-size luxury sedans or better.

I did the math for my trip next week if Ultimate choice section is lackluster:
Premium G - $78
Intermediate C - $36 + $35 premium upgrade = $71

Any thoughts? Am I missing something or is Hertz encouraging a premium customer to pay less upfront to roll the dice for a decent choice and worst case pay for an upgrade and still spend less?