This was so funny. I laughed all through reading, especially the frontier $24 offer. I could guess it will have hidden charges, but did not figure it would be up to $100.
They would have made it easy by given the full fare charge and save one the trouble of going through every of those steps. And be left with the choice if you want it or not.
Anyway, i can try to understand as they are applying market strategy to get you hooked.
Interesting post to read.