Modario, I wasn't a fan, but I'm aware of his passing. I am just glad that you didn't use any of those words on this thread, and found an interesting way to apply his program to mystery shopping.
Oh, that's my favorite one, Sneakers. Do you think it'll ever work? I have heard of a company that sends a gift card of the amount needed, but I haven't pursued that. I did tell a company that if they wanted me to run all over the place in remote areas for low-paying assignments, I'd be happy to do it each month, as long as they could guarantee an amount for the day and provide a rental car. They told me I had the assignment--for the same price as always. I declined.