I agree and disagree with Cathay Boy. I don't think that rudeness should be tolerated. It's not about the DYKWIA complex, it's about being treated with manners and some politeness. I would generally say that CX is normally excellent in this area and it is for this reason that when rudeness or unreasonable behaviour occurs, it can be a shock. I think we all have high expectations about CX that are often met.

The travel experience whether each day or once in a blue moon does require customer service from start to finish.

That said, in the example given, I wouldn't have asked for miles or any compensation. What was lost other than some dignity perhaps? I personally take the good with the bad as the good, for me, dealing with CX is far greater than any bad.

My point is that there are many areas of behaviour which are very rude in one culture and quite the reverse in another. For example, in a number of Asian countries I have often been complimented on being "fat", this being a symbol of wealth and well-being. In western culture calling someone "fat" is generally regarded as very rude. Those of us who prefer our international travel to be stress-free have learnt to have a very relaxed attitude to such cultural differences.

I normally don't encounter many problems with the HKG First Class check in. They are normally very polite and accomodating. The HKG-JFK nonstop more often than not is delayed and usually they are very apologetic about the inconveience (which cannot be said for other carriers).

When the Chek Lap Kok facility had just opened, at the time I was CX Diamond and doing the HKG-TPE hop very often. A small gripe was how I didn't like how some of the check-in agents automatically assumed I was holding dual passports (when I only held a United States passport, and then I did understand they are following protocol since a US passports are 30-60 days max stay in TPE), but other than that, I feel like the people working the First Class check in are very professional, polite and accomodating.