Interesting reading. I used to work in the credit industry, and based on my experience there, the minute someone began to borrow money for a necessary expense that is fixed and that they know is coming (ie., rent), we knew they were in big-time trouble financially. Not to say there isn't someone one there to lend the money, but the odds are very much against them getting the money back anytime soon. Add to this the fact that late fall, early winter is usually a very busy time for SPs.
I see nothing wrong with Static's and Leilani's offers -- they're not handouts, but they seem fair, IMHO.