Originally Posted by
Eskimoboy
I always take the drink and sometimes the points post as well
This. At least you know you will actually
get the drink - and as mentioned, at least half the time they credit the points too.
By the way, 500 points are worth between $2.00 and $2.50 US, so unless you are teetotal, are usually the lowest value option.
Exception: USA, where the "refreshment" is a 20c bottle of water and a 30c bag of trail mix. Anywhere else in the world, go for the booze.