Just got back too. I started at St. Jean Pied de Port on Sept. 3 and finished in Santiago on Oct. 3. I had no issues finding beds in albergues and only had to sleep outside one night. By the way, municipal albergues do not accept reservations, only private ones. I had a great Camino and established a "Camino Family". A couple of times, when Pilgrims were making reservations ahead at private albergues, they asked me if I wanted to be included. And, I said yes several times. Fellow pilgrims and townspeople were exceedingly helpful and friendly. Most days, I would just wander into town and see what was available for lodging. I stayed in small hotels or secured a private room 4 times without reservations. No problem. Many times, the albergues I stayed in had empty beds remaining. The trail was not crowded after the morning throng had dispersed. I didn't see much trash, except for white tissues. After 2 pm, many times I was all by myself for as far as I could see ahead and behind me.
With regard to "cheating", I saw none, since I don't regard the Camino as a race or competition. People choose their own method of traveling The Way. One fellow I met walked with a colostomy bag. Was he "cheating"? Should he have removed the bag? Many people were walking shorter distances than me every day. Was I beating them? Many walked farther and faster than me. Was I beaten by them? Was I "cheating" by wearing boots with Vibram soles rather than basic sandals? Look back on the post by Falcon269 (Sept. 14). That defines "cheating".
I had a rich and beautiful Camino. It was a great experience.