I recently flew mex-msp-dca and mex-msp leg was delayed, because of weight and balance. 40 mins in, we had to go back to the gate to offload 5 non-revs(We were moving and about to depart).
Since I missed my connection i had to pay for an overnight hotel. I was under the impression that W&B is controllable, and DL is liable for any costs. DL responded to me today with the following:
Upon review of Delta Flight 605 on February 27, 2023, it was delayed 50 minutes as follows:

Last minute weather changes that caused significant changes in payload margins (weight and balances) this still makes the delay non-controllable.

Respectfully, no reimbursement is due in this case.

Can weather really influence W&B loads and have DL offload pax and their bags? Thats a first for me. Or are they just making up stuff? Should I escalate with DOT?