I think Stars is ridiculous in so many ways. I know more than 1 person connected with an agency used to advise us to more or less 'fudge' things to make our application look better, our environments be up to Stars standards, etc. I thought it was so ridiculous and why do it?? To look good for the state and their program requirements. To attain a 'quality educational experience' for state and parents' expectations.
So yes, I can see why managerial positions might do that but it's highly misleading and as I said....ridiculous.
Personally, being an in-home provider I've never bought something I didn't use. I do know a provider who bought a brand new changing table and she had to get another one because it wasn't up to Stars standards.