After giving it some thought, I think the 7-9 hour hole is disingenuous but it is what it is for people who book a ticket now. You know what you are getting into, buyer beware.
However I booked my ticket back when the rule was free hotel for 7+ hours layover therefore I was promised a hotel room when I booked. I show flexibility by not insisting on a hotel room: I can accept a sleeping room if they won't give me a hotel room. However if it is them who are not being flexible either for the hotel or sleeping room, then I do not think I should just roll over. It is not right to change the rules against the customers after the fact... I will insist in person.