Capetonian
Don't forget that the airline wants to save money or rather don't spend. The hotel you found might have been cheaper for a "walk in" reservation but more expensive the large hotel they booked.
I bet very few (of those inconvininenced (sp?) the last few days would complain if information and support from airlines were rapidly available but obviously that was not the case.
The issue is how far a pax should/must push to have his rights honored if weather blows his or her plan?
Rwy in Sight