Obviously you do missing something: There is theory (e.g. the HHonors T&Cs) and there is a code of practice (e.g. how it most of the time works with HHonors).
I got from all but two hotels (the two in my list) points, night credits and airline miles... If you cannot benefit from this list, fine. Simply don't use it.
PS: The fact that Expedia bookings were honored in practise was THE big plus of the HHonors program for me. Should this benefit dilute, I see nothing holding me with HHonors.