And don't hold your breath for email responses:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz...surcharge.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hertz...arge-fool.html
Usually I recommend calling the local manager, which would be cruelly ironic in your case. But in the US at least, HLEs are supervised by a district manager at the airport. So you might get some relief calling the airport and speaking with a manager there.