What more could be done?
The flight was a one off daytrip, to a destination the company knew was enveloped with wx that made a landing unlikely. Diverting to another airfield was not an option as defeats the purpose of this flight, to visit the particular place for a short period of time then return. The logistics of this include arranging ground transport to the original destination, ensuring engineers are at the revised airfield, sufficient deicing equipment is available, the crew have adequate rest facilities then the passengers are all returned in time to meet the companies scheduled departure time, any slot they may have had, the rest of the airlines schedule, the crews duty times - all in known weather conditions that have already been considered unsuitable. Operating to such places often requires specialised training, certainly specialised handling that needs to be in place and cannot be 'winged' on the day.
Had they operated and gone elsewhere the media and passengers would be up in arms that the day and their money was wasted as the company knew they could not get in.
If making a decision based on safety doesnt endear a company to the public, well that aint the fault of the company. The way it is explained is more than adequate, nothing too technical or complicated - simple and concise the wx was crap, it would be unsafe to operate and are refunding everyone. I ask again what more could they have done?
With regards the Paris incident you refer to, I assume you mean Flybe, again safety and, following sop's and CAA/JAR regulations are what we get paid to do and are paramount. The way it is displayed in the media does not necessarily represent what actually happenned.
I will not be drawn into a petty little spat about the attitudes of those in the north and heathrow, but by making such a comment you give alot away about yourself. Suffice to say whoever is in the position of making safety related decisions must do so purely with regard safety, if it were me I would not let the industry's image in the media influence it.