Well, I, for one, surely want to know what's going on and specifically whatever "deals" are available out there. I'd ideally like to select from everything for myself!

Before the birth of FT, HHonors offered free nights to Las Vegas and Reno to its many members on very slow nights during the slow season months a few times. One needed to only know of it - and the HHonors statements and ads often arrived a bit late as we all know. My wife and I could each have enjoyed several $0 free nights then. Yet I neglected to take advantage of 'em because I either had to be, or chose to be elsewhere.

Are these "mistakes" different? Probably, but it is still an individual choice whether or not to partake, isn't it?

Being on a "list" is the next best thing to seeing it posted publicly for all to see, IMHO. If some folks want to create a "private" email list, I see absolutely nothing wrong with it and am happy to partake - even if I do not seize each and every opportunity - or any at all.

As with the earlier "opportunites" noted, I was again able to book this one but I choose not to. Importantly, however, it was my personal choice - no one else decided the level of usefulness for me, or the ethics/comfort level for me. To each his/her own, IMHO. We are an eclectic group to say the least. Situation ethics works for a lot of people.

Businesses surely need to be very careful and guests/pax should ideally be true to themselves and their individual moral/ ethical compasses.

Who are we to throw stones after all?

Regarding the comment by DOC2BE, I agree that Hilton has perhaps set a somewhat dangerous precedent, yet their manifest kindness in offering a fair resolution and showing some goodwill/good faith here after admitting a "mistake" actually very much endears them to me and surely makes me want to patronize their properties more.

Having said all this, maybe I too would book the next great "deal" should it ever present itself and feel "right" for me!