Another speculative reason could be because before the integration with IHG, while Kimpton did consider F&B spend (even when not staying as a hotel guest) toward IC qualification, the Kimpton Karma program didn’t actually award points- I recall free nights were earned through more of a punch card system that tracked nights/stays.
I'm not an IC member. How did they track your F&B spend for IC qualification if one did not stay at the property? Did you still have to give the Kimpton Karma number? Just curious. Thanks!