Greetings to all from the MIA flagship lounge!
Just to say, I've now filed a report. I reported the facts as I stated them here. I asked for a reply and nothing more.
I too would like to think there was a logical explanation. If there was, I'd have been much happier if they'd shared it with me, I'm a reasonable guy like most people here and would probably still have moved. That would have been much better than what happened.
BTW, I realised later that the PNR is normally printed on the boarding passes. So I had it all along, I just didn't know it! And oklAAhoma, you're right that I don't need it, I just didn't realise at the time - thanks for the tip.
I'll let you guys and gals know if I hear back.