I think you nailed it on the head random internet person! Everyone below me is probably Hotwire employees...just kidding (or am I?)

My gf booked with hotwire once, hotel only, didn't buy the 30 dollar insurance, and then plans changed. Without the insurance we couldn't change the date without paying a fee. I checked directly on the hotel's website for what the price would be if I booked the same thing with them, guess what? It was exactly the same price, but because of Hotwire we had to pay to change the date, unlike if I would have booked directly with the hotel.

Hotwire needs to realize people need flexibility it's extremely important to most people; especially when the savings are not compensating.