I truly hope something can be done to make this right. Of course I don't want to have to deal with the possibility of an extra connection on some routes if I fly Delta, American, or some other airline. But that is exactly what I intend to do if this is how I can expect to be treated on Continental.
May I suggest for your next airline that you try US. You will know from the start that you will be whipping out your US MC to pay for all of their fees from luggage to drinks. And you will not have to worry about food since where you will be sitting, they have already run out of BOB. However, the good news is is that you will not need that MC to pay for it. I am also certain that you will find the service on board to be up to your standards

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I have to agree that "John" wasn't your best example of a CSR. However, I find that the WE Care line is good for reporting problems, but not good for getting them resolved immediately. This is where FT comes in handy, since we do have access to CO when something goes awry in the form of the COInsider.
I hope you do get your $15 back. This was an obvious mistake and should be corrected by CO.