Joel, I think you believe that plying people with food and drink will always mean a return of the favor with glowing accounts.
No Matt--that's not what I said....not always. But oftentimes...of that there is no doubt in my mind.
And here's another concept to consider: Often, (again--not always) the end product is pretty good before a resort destination goes the extra 10 yards and invites writers in for a 3--day FAM event. In other words---they are proud of their product (be it justifiable or not) and want to "show it off" to those who can help influence others.
Here's an analogy: Who is more likely to throw a big Holiday soiree---the fellow who lives in a hilltop manor home, with large rooms and an expansive outdoor deck, OR---the fellow who lives in an outdated, down-at-the-heels "fixer-upper?" Not to say the 2nd guy would NEVER throw a party, but the guy with the glitzier, ritzier home is more likely to invite his friends and neighbors over...same concept with these resort destinations----it's mostly those who have something
to show off that do the inviting, not the guys who don't.
Although there are exceptions---I once spent 3-4 days in the Poconos on just such an outing, and was underwhelmed, to say the least.