BUT - why do they have to charge for cables at all??

Many times I have stayed in a Hampton Inn or Courtyard or Fairfield and needed a wireless bridge. I went to the front desk and signed their little piece of paper that says if I don't return it I will be charged. I go back to my room, use it, and return the bridge with no charges.

How hard would it be for this property to loan out cables to people who need them, with signed paperwork stating that if said cables are no returned before checkout the charge will be $5? This isn't some $30 a night rats nest where they charge for extra towels. It is a full service hotel. Chances are most people pay by credit card so it would be fairly easy to add the extra charge if need be.