Originally Posted by sdsearch
The whole point is that you're "supposed" to use the program to PICK which restaurants ("nicer" or otherwise) you'll go to (at least on occasion)! (The whole point of the program is to get you to eat at participating restaurants. It's a PROMOTIONAL program, after all!)
That's the point for THEM but it doesn't have to be for you. It depends on where you live of course, but I've earned many thousands of miles from idine and I have literally never once chosen a place to go based on the program. I just add all my cards, do what I would do anyways, and am occasionally surprised when I see the points post. I'm in the habit of paying the whole bill and taking cash anyways (for SPG points) so occasionally if I'm out with friends I can get a surprise of a thousand or more points. I live in New York, which seems to have a lot of signed up restaurants, FWIW.