The allowance is for 3 hots and a cot. Always has been, always will be. The cot is generally comfy, and Harry nailed it, the allowance sometimes covers the hots, if you eat at the buffet, otherwise generally does not. Its never masqueraded as something its not.
So whilst you're concerning yourself over whether you're gonna have to throw $20 down after enjoying a few pints and a good meal at the local on your 24ish hour layover, just remember, there is someone out there, who's entire job revolves around setting allowances based on targets set by his boss and the 9th, worrying himself sick at night about his targets, and whether he'll have a job the next day..
Cheers..