This may seem a little late, but maybe a little comic relief...
Just wanted to inform you, Knowitall, that if you check the shelves of your local supermarket, you may be surprised to find out that sugar is now sold in 4 lb packages.... :-)
Anyway, my personal experience has been with most carriers that you do catch more with sugar than salt...
Now that lines have been drawn in the sand so to speak, you won't get anything else from NWA...
I would perhaps have expected a larger certificate, but your expectation of a free ticket would have probably never been realized.
I hate to drag on, but there were several points not made in your letters... What was the reason for the earlier flight delay? Weather? Mechanical? It does make a difference...
Also, sounds like you made your connection, but with such a large chip on your shoulder (I'm not saying you did just that's the impression you have painted for us...) it is easy to see how you wouldn't get the best of treatment...
Just my thoughts...