A quick update...

NW called me out of the blue from EWR a couple weeks ago to check on whether I was going to come pick up the bag or if they should donate it or what (they got my phone number off my bag tag). I told them I'd be flying through EWR on 11/7, and they offered to hold the bag until then.

On 11/7 I arrived on the KLM flight from AMS as scheduled. Went straight to the NW baggage services room, found my bag, and was on my way.

NWA ground services comes through for me again! One more reason I'm happy to be NW elite.