Gavra, that’s why I said, “in theory”. Some held like you (and I, I guess), such as R’ Chaim Shmuelevitz. I suppose those who disagree hold that the “hamon am” cannot be expressive of hakaras hatov while at the same time holding that they shouldn’t be doing what we’re having hakaras hatov for.
BTW, I do plan be”H to be in Manhattan on Sunday.