Fly2Where

Maybe i should share my experience for the benefit of everyone.
When i was checking the price in oct 2017 for aug 2018 trip. There was a promotion, 3wv + 2bv, half board and seaplane transfer, tax and service fee included, total cost 17800 cny pp. At that time was around 2700USD pp, total 5400USD. If I book direct with hilton, BV was 650per night, WV was 950 per night, so room charge alone was around 4150 plus tax and service around 5100. But The half board in atoll cost 95++ppx2 per night! I dont count for those without gold or diamond also get free breakfast on half board.
you can say seaplane was not free, you can say they provide almost free half board, or you can say they upgrade certain room type. But in math, the seaplane seems almost free to me.

oh, btw, st regis also having similar type of arrange but cost is 27000 cny pp. A lot higher than conrad, which you cant booked direct with hotel.

And of course this was a major TA from HK. A friend of mine tried to book for me, but they said hotel will require to see chinese citizenship at check in or they will charge me rack room, and I dont want to risk it.

forgot to mention, some major TA buy hotel rooms in block, ie gurantee how many room will book thru them to negotiate a preferred price, regular customer cannot get directly to hotel. However, due to BRG, they cannot offer room only, it has to be a package to hide the true room cost. While we are paying $600 for BV, they might only pay $300 or less, and add on the seaplane fare, etc...also if they cant fulfill their guaranteed room purchase, they will discount further in order to attract customer and secure next year contract with hotel
lastly, $1120 may sounds a lot, but when they are charging 500+per night, all of sudden, thats about cost to provide to an empty/unsold room. Another major income is dining expense, not just room rate itself. Last time, I booked 5 nights with points, ends up spending $6800 (including seaplane transfer). This is not at all uncommon to economics.
Btw, the casino example is also off, but not going to argue since thats way OT.