Inc. All rights reserved. I saw your commentary that dismissed the study, but I have another perspective. I work for one of the three largest hotel chains in the country. I speak regularly with travel agents. They lie all the time.
Agents lie about the cheapest airfares as well as the best rates at hotels.
Unless a client gives a ton of business to an agency, they are looking out for themselves - to get the highest commission. Don't book the group rate. Don't book the promo rate available. I've got to make a living, too. I appreciate that agents have gotten screwed on commissions by airlines.