“That’s what I assume I would have heard when modern methods…became available that didn’t exist in previous times.”
Here, I disagree. There have always been ways to keep food warm (ovens, k’deira al gabei k’deira, ect). Now, we have better ways.
What HIE is talking about is way over the top.
IMHO? The biggest sin of all is the cake, pancakes, french toast, ect. Its all an illusion, made of egg whites, starch, sugar and oil / margarine. Little (if any) nutritional value, even less filling power.
Are the hotels guilty of maris ayin? Hard to judge.
Are they guilty of bait-and-switch? I vote to convict.