I'm been a couchsurfer for over two years and generally surfers are NOT given keys. Expecting house keys from strangers and complaining about having to kill time because the author, with his traveling companion, can't find things to do during the day? In New York?! I agree with Max that this guy sounds like a prick (and from his own article, a guest who didn't bring a gift, take his hosts out or help around the house...").