I think by predatory he means lamb-to-the-slaughter-predatory. IIRC the credit given is $150 at any outlet other than Atoll Market (and I think that's $150 inclusive just like the raw deal with HB). So $500 inclusive gets you $121.75 off the menu at Vilu, Mandhoo, Ufaa and Sunset Grill. Not sure about Rangali Bar and how that runs on the night of the 31st.. The set dinners at the aforementioned restaurants are around $250++ or more so you are only getting half that pre-paid. I could have a bad memory so I'm going to dig up my copy of the 2015 Festive Season Planner tomorrow when I have access to my other PC and will update if anyone is interested to know the finer details of what was on offer then (when the Gala fee was unchanged at $400++).