Since you asked, going to the media is more effective at resolving certain types of issues than individual correspondence. After all, it took media coverage - and subsequent regulator/government threats - for airlines to resolve the seat selection/child separation issue. We all know that there are very strict regulations around airline catering. When that fails, it warrants action. A single complaint is never going to be as effective as the media spotlight in this context. With the apparent exception of some AC FFs, people don’t like stones in their food.

In any event, I don’t see how complaining about it is any more or less self-centred (“fame”-seeking) than the self-congratulatory tone than the most stoic “I never complain” types on this thread. I’ve personally never understood why people take pride in the fact that they don’t complain about sub-standard service. Is it really a mark of honour - a source of pride - that companies take your money and provide sub-standard service, basically treating you like a pushover? I suspect airlines have many adjectives for describing our stoic types - none of them flattering. Or nice.

When faced with sub-standard service, I say complain, complain, complain. Loud and proud. Till it’s resolved to your satisfaction.