My assumption is that gas prices have driven up costs, but I haven’t had to deal with it that often. Despite the increases on regular, advertised costs, in the past 8 or 9 times I’ve rented cars, I’ve been able to get them through Priceline for no more than $20 a day. A couple of times, they’ve accepted my bid for $13 a day. In September, I was able to get the same route exact route of SFO – SBA for $25 a day, during a holiday weekend. I contacted the 1800 number at Enterprise and asked for the best deal they could give me, and got around it that way. I know this doesn’t answer your questions about thoughts or theories, but maybe there’s enough time for you to find cheaper arrangements?