I feel your pain and have suffered equal treatment by other airlines (non-U.S) as well. Since I have done a lot of foreign travel, I have purchased an annual insurance policy to cover such problems at a nominal cost. I was stuck in Rome without luggage but was able to purchase clothing and personal care items and was fully reimbursed. My suitcase eventually showed up after 10 days, just as I was getting ready to leave.
Also, out of curiousity, did you put a copy of your itinerary in your suitcase?