Exactly, thatīs what I do but at every station it took some weeks and rentals until they switch to be friendly. In my case, Sixt was friendly nearly everytime from the beginning, also at stations where they donīt know me. Thatīs the big advantage with Sixt.

But as I wrote, talked for half an hour with that Europcar guy and he told me that theyīve had a big meeting in Hamburg a few weeks ago where they talked about that change in the service. Europcar increases company clients but decreases privat clients. They now need to keep that company clients and for that the try better (but who know, weīll see).
But he was true as he told me that there are more 24 hours Europcar-stations than Sixt and that Europcar has itīs own damage-service and Sixt not. Didnīt know this before but he told me that if you have an accident they are faster there than Sixt etc.

1.) PP brings nothing to you because you have to pay 79 $ p.a. and then still have to pay 24 $ to get in.
You can go to http://www.europcar.de/whyeuropcar/first.html and check the firs card (in german). After 30 rentals p.a. you get a free weekend voucher (s-class). And they bring you your key directly to the baggage claim at airports.
2.) happened to mee, too. They try to discuss everything but as long as you know your rights

Btw, if you need to call for a reservation from you cell phone, use 040-520182112 then you donīt have to pay for the expensive 01805... number.

Cheers