Not sure if this is the best place to ask this question...

Some family was on AA59 LAX-KOA on 2/13. This flight was boarded from the 200s remote gates by bus from T4. Family made a tight connection (with wheelchair assistance required), but were unable to access any terminal amenities due to immediate need to board/remote gating... The flight then went into a 2.5+ hr mechanical delay without any food/water offered by AA, and on top of that the flight wasn't properly catered for Y passengers (even those who pre-ordered) so all they had was beverage service. Ultimately, they had to go around 10+ hours without any food just including the lengthened flight time (headwinds)+delay time not including the connecting flight time.

Is there any sort of DOT policy in regards to "tarmac delays" at remote gates?

AA offered 3k miles as compensation, I encouraged them to seek $2-300 wondering if that is an appropriate amount?

Lastly, wondering what would have happened if they chose to deplane from a remote gate due to this delay? Would they have allowed terminal access or is there just a holding room out by the remote stands? Would they re-accom on next available flight?