What's not good enough is not taking enough personal responsibility to account for your own personal property when you got off the flight. Instead, it's AA's fault that they accomodated you an earlier flight, provided an upgrade which was subsequently delayed by weather and then attempted to make phone calls on your behalf, which were ultimately unsuccessful. Are you expecting an apology or some type of reimbursement?
I apologize in advance if this seems abrupt - but as you so state - never would have been an issue if you hadn't left those items to begin with.
From a more practical standpoint, you may want to check if you are covered on any type of renter's or homeowners policy with a deductible low enough to cover some of the $500 or so lost.
jdburns11