I rarely ever check bags, but the one time I had a bag to check I had a similar issue as the Passenger who relayed his/her story.

In my case I knew I was going to get hit with bag fees and said so to the Ticket Agent, so she checked my bags on the delayed flight, lefts notes in the computer and had me pick them up the next day at my home airport.

My home airport gave me a ring the next day letting me know they had my bags (on the first flight of the morning from ATL) and I could stop by anytime to pick them, all in all worked out nicely for me.

I see what Often1 said and that makes sense, do I understand the Passenger's frustration, sure, but sadly it is airlines and their fees and rules which can make it complicated for the less than SUPER savvy customer in 2015.