I see your point of view, mine is similar, but life is too short, also booking with QF hotels gives me QFF rewards, where as if I book direct with the Proximity in Manukau Auckland suburbs, no points earnt.
Before I went into the booking process, on the QFF website, I did a dummy booking to check prices, about $174 or so, yes, I know, I am not really an Ibis budget sort of person, unless no other choice.
When I went to do a firm booking, on the QFF website to get points, and proceed with payment, price jumps up to $204!
Granted QFF has to make a profit, a lot in my case, but a financial killer in yours.
Not sure in your case how you can push your case up the Hooroo ladder tho.
Best of luck!