So glad the ridiculous resort fees have been spotlighted here. Personally, I shop around based on the the lower or lack of resort fee. The hotels had swimming pools and hot tubs 20 years ago without resort fees so I think by adding in a movies disc machine or a bottle of water seems to help them justify it. It used to be the amenities is how hotels competed for guest.  For example, it is important for me to have a room with a coffee maker versus no coffee maker. Therefore, I choose the hotel with the coffee maker. 

Optional??? Give me a break! Where did that falacy come from? 

When the hotels back away from their inflated tax free fees, then they may have a case as far as the TAT is concerned.