Had a response today:

Thank you for your recent correspondence concerning your Starwood Preferred Guest account. I welcome this opportunity to assist you.

"Starpoints are calculated based on the following eligible charges: room rate, food and beverage, laundry/valet, telephone and in-room movies. Taxes, gratuities, banquet and meeting charges, service charges and other miscellaneous charges are not eligible for Starpoint credit. In addition, certain types of room rates are not eligible for Starpoint credit. These include groups or conventions settled through a Master Bill, tours or pre-packaged deals through travel agents, and wholesale rates (priceline.com). For these reasons, the number of Starpoints credited to your account may be lower than you had anticipated.

Please note that you will not earn Starpoints for alcohol purchases in the following states: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Oregon.

Your patronage of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is greatly appreciated. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact one of our Member Services Representatives at the number listed below."

Bit disappointing because it doesn't really highlight the problem I pointed out. The fact is that when you do the sums then I have been short changed $500 worth starpoints. Looked at the bill a fifth time and I have been credited for everything above except the $500 cash I paid. Also it wasn't clear if the response was from my email, my first fax or my second fax sent last week. I'm going to leave it a couple of weeks as Lurker says then see if I get any further responses from my later faxes (I hope) cos otherwise there is still one miffed Brit here that doesn;t understand these US people as well as I thought.