Isn't this some tax thing? If they pay you money, they have to file a 1099 with the IRS. If they give you a gift card, it's up to you to record it as a gift on your taxes.
You might be correct, good person. I'm curious if this is standard in the industry...
well think of the other possibly bigger perk: they get your business and loyalty again in the future at a discount since the card was given as an enticing amount (e.g. "$50" but after markup is only really $28 to the business).
It's the same when I've taken consumer surveys at conferences, taste tests in the mall, etc.
Also, some percent of users will forget to use the gift card, or be unaware of how to check the available balance, or use it down to the last penny.