I think the difference - the plane you were on remained in EWR; whereas the plane I had been on left EWR and diverted (to BOS) - UA has no regularly scheduled flights there after 8pm, so the terminal area was basically a ghost town. The crew was great and decided to serve meals while not getting paid (if I am not mistaken, they would only get paid after the door is closed). No food nor available nearby accommodations (e.g. hotel rooms).