| First, I don't see the problem as necessarily as "a challenge to electronic cards.' I think it is actually the lever-style handles on the inside of the door.
I think it is actually the lever-style handles on the inside of the door that are likely installed to meet ADA requirements. As we all know, the device used in the clip basically hooks on to the handle and when pulled or twisted to the side, the handle turns and the door eventually opens. Round door knobs of old would not provide for such a device to work.
Our property features similar lock assemblies and handles. We also have a couple of similar devices that we purchased to aide us in entering a room that is locked out and doesn't respond to emergency or other master keys. My experiences are:
When the handle is turned vertically the door opens and to keep in that position you have to wedge it with something. As such, the door remains open. This also ruins the lock assembly over time. (Our maids constantly do this with the handles in their supply closets so they don't have to use their key to enter throughout their shifts.)
To physically reposition the handle in a vertical position as suggested is probably possible but that just isn't "normal". The hooking device would probably still work but take a little longer to figure out how to do so.
Installing a baffle at the bottom of the door is a good deterrent but that would also keep a proprietor out if a client was locked out. That would result in the more costly option of drilling out the lock and delayed entry. Not a good combination for hotels as the cost cannot be passed on.
The idea of a shunt is also good but because the device is bent into a variety of positions, it (the shunt) would have to be built out and around the bottom half of the handle so that it cannot be hooked and pulled downward. Aesthetically, not good.
I agree that the demonstration being posted on youtube does nothing to help in our efforts to protect and safeguard guests and property. Perhaps dialog with those at youtube and similar far-reaching organizations is needed? They could have a staff of security professionals who screen and filter all content being submitted before it gets posted on their service, rejecting those that are inappropriate or could be used maliciously.
I'm not trying to be pessimistic about this as I have been through many discussions about this very subject. I guess the bottom line is that properties with these locks and handles will have to weigh the odds of a person having such a device and using it to gain illegal entry against installing countermeasures. Unfortunately, the odds are against them.
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A COMMENT ON THE MARCH, 2009 ARTICLE: "SCARY." A CHALLENGE TO ELECTRONIC ACCESS CARDS