Interesting. My experience has been that I've used coupons, ordered "specials", and dined on days restaurants supposedly won't give out miles for ~ all posting to my various iDine accounts.
When I very first signed up for iDine, I was curious as to how they made their money. Even though they sell memberships (20% off iDine), I was told by a CSR that iDine provides the credit card processing units, thereby earning revenue and having the ability to track sales. But, because all of my described transactions have posted, I'm assuming there isn't a way for the restaurants to process the discount(s) on the machine. I'm wondering how (if the restaurant supposedly doesn't know you're an iDine customer) they could have flagged the transaction for "no miles".
In any event, I too would be furious. You have done nothing untoward (BTW, I would NOT be furious if my "experimenting" hadn't/didn't earn me miles) All I can suggest is a call to the GM of Mai Kai to see if something can be worked out and a [B]strongly[B] worded note to iDine that you'd be hesitant to use their service in light of your experience. Whether or not you succeed, you have my astonishment and sympathy!