"Writing to a magazine ombudsman to help you with a current trip is like going on a low-fat diet while you are in cardiac arrest. Not gonna do much to help you right now."

The OP has already paid substantial money out of pocket for just the first leg of this trip, which has already been flown. If he can get Priceline to reinstate the original itinerary, and reimburse for the difference between what was refunded and what the OP had to pay to board the first flight, that would be great. But I'd be very surprised if that were to occur -- and I suspect that you would be, too. So if the OP has to secure alternate travel to continue his journey and to return home, then he will be looking for reimbursement. He is welcome to pursue litigation, but the Ombudsman service might obviate the need for that.