Okay everyone. Willie Simpson rocks. We have emailed back and forth a couple times this morning and here is the deal with the 2008 bookings. Hopefully this nugget of hotel management theory will help us all figure out why some of us are getting the discount no problem and others aren't having any luck:
Willie said: "The Entertainment program was designed to assist businesses in their low seasons by offering 50% off or “2-fers” to attract clients. For hotels, this means when the occupancy is forecasted to be below 80%. The issue here is that we run 80% full year round, so on average it would never be open. Dates when we are certain of low occupancy we may open the low rates well in advance, but this does not occur often. Dates when we are on the fence (as business is NOT cyclical in this market) then we keep it closed until we know one way or the other, usually much closer to the date of arrival. Basically -- and on average – the Entertainment low season rate is a tool used for last-minute bookings and not advanced bookings. For example there are only 19 days open right now for the entire year of 2008. Rates change usually one time or twice per week and effect a full year outward. The best way for a guest to check openings is by utilizing the SD50 promo code and checking dates with our website."
So! There you all go! I am really satisfied with this answer. He suggested in another email that we can book the best rate available NOW, and then check like fiends (like people on these boards would be known to do LOL) and they will adjust the rate when/if it drops. Woo hoo!
Hope this helps you all.
On a personal note, I'll tell you one thing, I am super impressed with this personal customer service. I am on the fence about staying here (debating HOJO versus PPH) and I am thinking we might give HOJO a try. Even at the higher $110 rate or whatever it's giving me right now, it's a huge savings over the package at PPH. I miss out on a couple goodies, but nothing I can't live without for saving several hundred dollars. This trip is a more budgeted one for us than usual as we're going with friends who don't tend to spend as much $$ as us. I think this might be a great alternative.
(or less); depending on how long you wait to buy it...last month $9, free S&H.
Those of you who are still looking, try the sd50 code. Now, I just need to find as great of a deal on airfare (come on, Southwest!), and I'll be all set! 
there is only one downside imo to hojo and that is the pillows...they start off very fluffy and within a little while they go absolutely flat
so if you can bring some of your own I would recommend it
)
