This is without a doubt, the most creative way to pretend to not ask for freebies when you really are asking for freebies. I'll have to remember that.

Several other commenters have already pointed out that it seems odd that you would continue to frequent this location if you have repeatedly had problems - and just what was the outcome when you complained to management the previous times?

You also mentioned that you were refused getting a refund for food you didn't get. So I'm wondering, were you actually charged for this food and they gave it to you after the fact? Or did they never ring it up and you were insisting they comp a portion of the remaining bill for the oversight?

I just can't imagine any manager refusing to refund a guest for food they never got!

While I think that shorting you a meal is unacceptable, I get the impression there is more to the story that's not being told.