For context, I have a corporate rate via Enterprise; used it for years as my go to. My employer explicitly allows the rate for personal use. Rates are generally lesser than the other big companies. But for an upcoming rental, Enterprise is far more expensive. I also just found out that Enterprise reports specifics of personal reservations to my employer; I have nothing to be concerned about, but it is more principle of this occurring.

I have Hertz President's Circle though my C1VX card and have used it only once. For an upcoming trip, I made a couple of reservations (all for similar vehicle types) and all were less expensive than Enterprise and within +/- 5% of Avis. A few questions:

• I've heard, anecdotally, that I can rent X, but actually go to the 'President's Circle' and take what I want. (My own experience is that I rented the cheapest vehicle I could due to an emergent personal issue. The rep at IAD told me I could take any vehicle I wanted in the President's Circle.) But given the recent information above, this doesn't seem to be consistently true.
• Any President's Circle relationship with Dollar or Thrifty?
• Any other benefits that make being a participant worthwhile? Booking via Capital One or via other methods rather than booking directly with Hertz?

Thank you!