Funny, long-time FReeper Nauti Nurse was in Florida and she says the exact opposite - that Cain did not have free food or free trinkets. And that it was Cain's own strong showing in the leadups to the vote that won it for him.
So unless you can link to some kind of proof that Cain bought this straw poll in a Romney-eque manner, I'd say you pulled that opinion out of a place normally visited by doctors with flashlights.
Please get your facts in order before posting false information. The only candidate at the Florida Presidency V who sought to influence delegate votes by purchase was Rick Perry. Perry invited every delegate to a breakfast Saturday morning. We didn't attend.
Herman Cain's meet and greet Friday night did not provide food or beverages. There was a water cooler in the back of the room. No free trinkets. Buttons, signs and t-shirts were for sale outside the room. Every last item was purchased by the large number of attendees.