I think you probably already know this answer. Hearing it from others is often an affermation that makes decision making easier.
There is no better diplomatic way of weeding out a client than nickle and diming them. Likewise, there is no better way to run off a great production company than to continually ask for their time for free. They know this. It's a gamble they are obvioulsy willing to take.
The bare bones answer is if this is a sales meeting, no you cant bill for that and expect to see them in the future. If it's a creative meeting they want you in, of course you are in the business to make a living and won't be giving this off the clock.
If you feel you dont want to do this meeting for nada... man, don't.
let em grind away at your competition while ya get back to work.
If you feel it's a required hand-holding to keep a gig ya wanna keep, man oppease em and pretend it's not irritating.
