(2) Dave Ibbotson was offered a weekend away in Nantes with all expenses paid if he flew N264DB there & back ( Having your HOTAC paid isn't renumeration, it is an essential need whilst away from home ) Having food & drink purchased for you isn't renumeration either.
Truthseeker; the word is remuneration. The aircraft being N reg, the FAA rules are strictly pro rata share of direct operating costs; fuel, oil, rental fees and airport fees (and in Europe, ATC fees but they are not a thing for private flights in the US). "Having your HOTAC paid and food and drink purchased" are definitely not allowed by the FAA for a private pilot.