I would simply ask "Have you visited Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok airports lately? Have you visited St. Louis, Dulles, or Philly airport lately? Obviously....I don't mean all American airports and airlines are second rate.
When you refer to third world head to Africa if you want a real experience of what real third world airport experience feel like.
As for you situation, I accept you first argument because I too have been requested to move and refused. It was an awkward situation but frankly there are a lot worse thing to me that would make it a flight from hell, like not landing, major mechanical issues etc. Airlines and people aren't perfect and instead of just letting it burn at you realize that "sh*t happens" and get over it, that is my two sense.