Originally Posted by Fabo.sk

I'm afraid I can't agree.

Of course one should try to excercise all other options (repeatedly ask airline for details, proof, propose small claims court solution if available, söp etc.) but the airline will quite possibly decide to just try and call your bluff.

Having then to go through an agency is annoying, having to forfeit a significant part of the winnings, however agencies are known to sue and win, and therefore airlines do reply to them differently.