APPT package on Stars - usually the hotel is negotiable, right?

[RoundTower]

The face value of the APPT Sydney package on Stars is US$9000, of which about $1000-$1100 appears to be earmarked for 5 nights hotel accommodation. I told Stars that I live in Sydney and won't be needing accommodation if I win a package. They told me the package is non-negotiable and I can't get cash in lieu of accommodation.

Obviously Stars are within their rights to do this. However I was previously given cash instead for a WSOP package (I already had accom booked when I won it) and an EPT Dublin package (I lived there), so I thought this was Stars policy. Has the policy changed?

[pmarrsouth]

for EPT Dublin THIS year, 2 guys from college both got about W$1700 into their PS accounts as they live in Dublin and didnt need the hotel.

[RoundTower]

some more info from Stars support:
- this will be the case for all APPT events.
- I might be able to sell the hotel room, but Stars will not facilitate it
- the guy I was talking to doesn't know anything about the policies for other events, just APPT.

Not sure if this should have gone here or in one of the tourney forums but I don't ever read them really.