Well, it seems like petitions have worked to secure a low budget film a wider release. Morris: A Life With Bells On got 9000 folks to request the film and now they have 50 datesin the UK. Read about it here.
How about that? Add that to the arsenal of tools that you have to get your film booked. I wonder if anyone has used iPetitions.com or the like to similar effect. And if not, why not?