What is an I/O customer???
Did you buy the tickets direct from Ek or via an agent? If the former might be worth emailing EK from their website rather than to the local office if the latter definitely email EK! Also would try ad let the frustrations pass otherwise you will find the slightest thing on the rest of the journey annoying and you have spent alot of money so should try and get the most out of the experience. And as you say peace!