OP here: thanks, you all have been great.
#1: No more MIA entry! Lesson learned.
#2: Photo of luggage and baggage claim ticket is a must.
#3: Always use a credit card with baggage delay benefits when booking all travel expenses. The one time she didn't use the Chase Preferred and the one time she bought the low-end trip insurance was the one time that her baggage was delayed (and now, going on day four, appears lost).