The cheekiest part of this story in my opinion is the passengers complaining about no service, restrooms, etc., when they are REFUSING TO DISEMBARK. Did they expect the Cabin Crew to continue their service and go about the business of selling water and lottery tickets???
There are avenues available for compensation and complaint after a flight but while sitting in that metal tube you give yourself up to the authority of the Captain...period.
Lord Spandex manager, of course you have authority, for example you could decide not to fly the aircraft if you are not happy with something, but is that the same as having 'authority.... period?' (i.e. total authority.)
For example, can you arrest a passenger or forcibly remove them in an arm lock?
Can you prevent the police visiting the flight deck and breath testing your FO?
Diplome made an absolute statement that does not hold true in the real world, with the doors open (I have friends who are airline captains and they are quite sensitive to this.)
Th epassengers stayed (I imagine) because they perceived they may get a better deal by remaining onboard and they were upset and also acting irrationally.
Understand that I am not condoning their behavour.