Actually that is what is supposed to happen if possible, Empress - the customer is to be switched with a non-rev otherwise compensation is given.

IllMissCP I have to agree with the suspicion that you either never have any good experiences with AC or you appear to fixate on finding experiences to support complaints. Although granted, you don't have to look too hard nowadays to find them, perhaps you could nevertheless cheer us up sometime with a pleasant story. In the situation with your seatback you also should have received a compensation voucher. Knowledge is power.

An aircraft and it's parts can break down and it is usually without warning. So can your car likely during rush hour on a busy thoroughfare. The car shop you have your vehicle towed to doesn't give you compensation for the inconvenience though or because their product broke down.

The compensation offered by AC may not be adequate compared to other carriers but it still beats just hearing "sorry, there's nothing I can do - sh$t happens" (now I'd never say that!).