Wow

about the only thing I would have done different then what you did was

1- at EWR on the out bound once there was a problem I would have asked the Agent to Please put a note on the PNR that I belong in BF that way if theres a problem on the return they can see whats what

2- seems you decided the BF seat was more important then the shopping or changing of money, otherwise you should have paid the $$ and miles and taken care of it when you got back here.You decided to make the calls and spend the time trying to fix it all, instead of doing the errands you wanted to

Im not saying the staff was right in what they did, only that you should have done things before leaving EWR to begin with. that doesnt excuse what you said you went thru.

as for reinbursement from CO for the calls Good Luck getting it, Id try to but wouldnt count on getting anything.