I'm all for gray areas. I just think the problem is I'm really, really uncomfortable with quid pro quo that resembles bribery.

Let me provide a counter example...

Politicians want campaign contributions which directly benefit their goals and by extension the constituents who voted for them. [Frontdesk enjoys the extra money and reduces demand for raises].

Politicians can do small favors and not get caught. However, the power is intended to be used in the interest of all constituents. [Frontdesk is empowered to comp when it benefits their employer's interests].

I'm not seeing this as significantly different...and those 'small favors' have a tendency to grow as the person receiving the money finds themselves needing to do more and more to 'outdo' the other guy. After all, if I can bribe the other frontdesk guy for $5...why should I give you $20?

Its a very, very slippery slope that makes me uncomfortable.

I'm not saying these are terrible people. I'm just saying it is shady/unethical.