The OP did fess up to saying Yes. "You (speaking to Joe) can shove this scam up your ....” To me that's pretty imflammatory whatever the circumstances, and is't completely possible worse was said. While a GA must take a lot of stuff from people, there's got to be some limit. Obviously, if they were attacked physically, no one would expect them not to defend themselves. I think the GA determined (true or false) that this flyer was a danger to the plane.
And there's something that doesn't ring true here. 1. We have another one hit wonder coming to FT to vent. 2. He's obviously well enough off to spend a couple thousand (or even $7000) and he doesn't buy first class tickets in advance. 3. He spends the $7000 without a serious attempt to get CO to fly him back to LAS the next day on either CO metal or another airline. 4. And what's this mean "We buy cheap and spend the rest while on vacation." If you buy so cheap what's with being willing to shell out several grand for upgrades.
And again, it's really hard to imagine that CO had five seats that they could sell in FC shortly before the flight.