I know I haven't finished my morning coffee yet but...they met you on arrival, gave you food and hotel vouchers ..and..told you to hurry and make your flight...which you did?
I've done that rush to the gate a few times but can't figure out why they would delay you intentionally on arrival while they flipped through vouchers to find yours for a flight that you possibly could make rather than you just rushing to the gate AND THEN dealing with the issue if needed.
Obviously I've missed something here....won't be the first time <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />