Ok...And thanks again for the help/advice. Typing this from onboard the LH flight on the ground.

It seems we picked up some time while we were asleep, and the aircraft from FRA-VCE picked up a short delay. Despite parking at a remote (V gate, having to wait for a bus and then proceed to the terminal at a geriatric pace we made it to the gate just as boarding (the busses) was beginning.

Asked the LH gate agent to confirm that everything was good and she was like "oh you're from Chicago and you made it?"

As typing this, United via Facebook just replied asking if I was able to find someone to rebook me. No response from 1KV as yet. But all's well that ends well and thanks again for helping me to prepare for what to expect.