Thanks for all the replies. It was definitely a painful lesson learnt, one that I will not have to apply in future though. As I do see your point of view that it is the restaurant's and not the RN fault, however, world-class companies do really adapt a world-class attitude.

RN should see that I was a penny short, for no fault of mine - so why should I be penalised and quashed for the whole deal. I agree no company is pefect but some are near perfect and what sets them apart is truly to go the extra distance when it comes to retaining the customer. For all my dealings with United, Air Canada, Royal Bank, Starwood, Hilton, Marriott, TD, AMEX, VISA, and so on I never had to doubt the integrity of their actions to resolve issues, if there were any. Although I do not know how the awarding of miles through RN by dining at participating restaurants work, it is safe for me to assume that they had extracted their part of the benefits out of the nine dines that totalled much in excess of $225 ($25 * 9) it was the 10th dine short changed by a penny that was to determine their biggest obligation. I fully understand it is the restaurant's fault (which by the way is in Pittsburgh and I happened to be there on March 31st and aimlessly tried to spend the $25 before midnight although I did not even need to eat) but I could see why the waitress would prefer an even $5 tip and having no clue that one penny would become so important!!!

Now when the facts come to light, my stupidity (not fault) is to have not put $5.50 in tip, the restaurant althought the one really at fault, cannot be held accountable for all the 5k miles as I believe the obligation would probably be spread over, and if RN really wants to set itself apart can definitely say the promotion T&C are not "laws" and what if the waitress had correctly charged the $25 then one penny would have made us give this customer the full 5k miles anyways but not just because of THAT PENNY!

Again thanks for your cool-headed replies. It is too much of a pain for me anyways to find and then dine at participating restaurant that takes away the pleasure of dining and I'd definitely be happier without an RN account as this incident has convinced me that it is not worth the hassle!