(I didn't read the 7 pages, only the OP) I feel that as long as you're eating you're entitled to as much as you want refill-wise. However, sitting around watching their TV and taking 4 or 5 refills is rude. Just like it would be if you were visiting someone. If someone tells you "Help yourself to the fridge if you get hungry" that doesn't mean you should do your best to clean it out or be a pig because its free food. Same applies to free refills. There are no laws enforcing politeness however so the store owners can't really do much unless its an extreme situation