If a lottery winner decides not to go there is no incentive to cancel the reservation because there are no refunds of any kind for any reason. Even returning say, half of the fee ($15 per person) might encourage cancellations thereby opening spots for others. So what happens is locals or people who "just happen" to be near the ranger station the morning of the 'no show' (or the day before for day hikers) might possibly get a permit. But how do I justify travelling across the country in the hope that MAYBE there will be an opening. Of course, one can play 'wack a mole' for months on their website, thinking that maybe, just at the moment that I type in all the required info, a 'random' opening may occur. This 'no refund' aspect of the lottery is poorly thought out and their website, by the way, while slightly improved, is a continuing embarrassment. (The option of using a range of dates is still not available for the lottery, although it is an option for remaining dates after the lottery; however, any such available dates are few and far between.)