Saturday, December 1st, 2007 was the first big winter storm of the year in Milwaukee. I know this because it was also my husband's work Christmas party, and we nearly found ourselves on the side of the road because travel conditions were terrible. So I imagine Mitchell International was a disaster. As others mentioned, the airline cannot control the weather.

However, I think you do have a valid complaint with this: "Eventually, the staff admitted that they had communicated poorly to the passengers, and that they had waited way too long to make the decision to remain on the ground in Rockford. They even admitted that they considered these alternatives hours earlier." Had they made the decision earlier (and they easily could've because it snowed all day), you at least could've relaxed in your hotel room, gotten something to eat, etc. So yes, I think they owe you an apology. But that's all.