content: The amount starbucks loses in giving away free drinks ranges from pennies to nickels. Obviously this is a 'cost of supplies' only but as long as you aren't turning away paying customers it is minimal cost to corporate.    If starbucks had any common sense they would honor the coupons with the cheapest/fasted to prepare coffee beverage.  They'd probably profit in the long run by getting a couple new customers when welfare cheques are given each month.