The snark does not seem to be necessary.

I assumed you had a genuine question, which is why I directed you to the numerous existing threads on the topic. If you think "it's fairly clear," why did you start a new thread to ask?

The word "legitimate" is defined as "conforming to the law or to rules." The fees are lawful if properly disclosed, and do not violate the IHG program rules.

If you are implying that I somehow think they are good versus a nonsense cash grab by properties, you are incorrect. I was merely trying to answer the question I thought you were asking in good faith. I appear to have mistaken. I will ask the moderators to move this thread to one of the other threads on the topic.