Now I can certainly agree that this a rather lengthy, emotional response. But I wouldn't say he got exactly what he paid for.

You buy a premium ticket for a premium experience. For most of us this also includes a stress free (or at least stress minimum) experience, maybe some time to relax at the airport and then onto the plane. I think I would find it very stressful to deal with all the back-and-forth like the OP mentioned, to actually be on the flight that I'm suppose to be on.