I think everyone is over reacting. DEN is a small operation for Delta. While they should have pulled from the front ticket counter, there is not much more they should/could have done. Crown Room request are out of line. But your letter should generate some compensation for your inconvience.

I've been through what you went through several times. Each time we landed with fire engines lining the runway, the FA going through emergency landing procedures etc. Each time, the flight was treated as a canceled flight. Get in line and we'll try and rebook you OR they try and get another aircraft. A new aircraft is what has happened on 2 occasions for me. Those that are too scared to fly must drive to the next destination or just cancel the trip.

Once was in SLC. No extra staff or extra help. Just get in line but before we were all rebooked, they had found a plane. Before taking off, the drinks were doubles (at 10:00am) and everyone read along with the FA on the safety procedures.

Another time in LEX we just had to wait in line for rebooking but it was Easter weekend and I was told the earliest they could get me out was Sat. (this was a Thurs). Again, they came up with another plane.

When these things happen (emergencies etc.) Delta does the best they can. They can't make additional staff appear out of thin air. They can't give everyone $$$ just because they had a near miss. They can't let everyone in the CR. Think of the people in the CR who are suddenly inconvienced because of the big crowd.

Those are the risks we take for flying. If you don't like it, take a train, bus or car. Flying is a choice I make with the associated risks.