Would be improper use of the TM discount still if I used it with Starbucks/Target gift cards I obtained through reward sites, i.e. paid no money for them?
Don't see a problem either.
The problem with giftcards arise when TMs use a non-Target credit/debit card to purchase a giftcard so they can use their discount with said giftcard.
THAT'S what they're tracking; especially if you reload said giftcard again & again.
If you didn't purchase the giftcards (ie: expressly for a card you can use your discount with), you should be golden.
Would be improper use of the TM discount still if I used it with Starbucks/Target gift cards I obtained through reward sites, i.e. paid no money for them?
I do this with my rewards credit card all the time, you didnt do anything wrong. You honestly obtained the gift card and you are a team member using the discount.
If that were immoral they would just say you can only use your TM discount with the red card ONLY.
Redeye said it best, if you are buying gift cards with a debit card to avoid using a red card then thats shady.
As long as it's not theft or super shady, nobody is going to care. It's TMs who load their own gift cards or steal them from a guest that get flagged for us.