Originally Posted by
EuropeanPete
It seem pretty obvious that people who want to book flexible rates and then go ahead and book flexible rates probably want a flexible rate. I also see no evidence for what you're suggesting here which is that companies have decided only to offer cheaper inflexible rates that they call flexible. That would really make no sense in a pricing strategy.
You continue to presume that there is some magic to "24 hours". A room which cannot be cancelled up until check-in is not flexible. But, because it used to be 24 hours doesn't make it so today.
Back in the day, my British friends used to rant about coming to the States and not having a full breakfast included because that is what "all room rates" include.