That seems an odd reflection, given that Royal Ambassadors have long been leeching the same cost from lounge operations as do pass holders. Direct contributors to that budget are those who pay for Club rooms, or who pay separately for lounge access. The latter must be much loved by hotel management

True, the lounge pass scheme will have put some small additional cost on lounge budgets. I'm told that consumables are very significantly dwarfed by the fixed cost of operating the facility. I'm sure the calculus involved will be a joy only to cost accountants.