I don't really think this is very clever, either, but unlike you I can't quite put my finger on why. Has either the poster or the originator of the idea really

I don't really think this is very clever, either, but unlike you I can't quite put my finger on why. Has either the poster or the originator of the idea really tried to measure the effectiveness of this technique? Furthermore, why are people in a coffee shop sitting around without coffee, waiting to be bought a cheap drip drink (as you mention)? I think the dishonesty makes some sense as people are nice and have a natural tendency to sugarcoat or outright lie, but I am entirely uncomfortable with it.