You'd have people throwing a hissy fit at the Hertz desk, turning down a complementary Spitfire Mk9 upgrade from the PA28
The biggest upgrade I ever got was from a medium size Toyota to a larger size Toyota, more like a PA28 to a PA32.
Funnily enough, if I was offered a Ferrari instead of a Toyota, I too would turn it down as it wouldn't be fit for purpose with a family of 4 and luggage.
You make an interesting point about the (non) secure nature of a PPL, as it is not even photo ID.
I like Big Pistons checklist and think it will be helpful to newish pilots in preparing to fly at a new place and agree with SAS that a degree of pilot proactivity is required.
I also believe that many flying clubs could do with polishing up their act in regards to customer service.
The two concepts are not mutually exclusive.