I'm sure someone else has probably already said this, but having had the appetizers and food come at almost the same time once before, you should have requested that your entree order not be entered until your appetizer was brought out. That way, you would have plenty of time to enjoy both.

That being said, Applebee's owes you nothing. You ate the food and you didn't complain. In fact, your only real complaint in your letter was that you felt rushed. If that's cause for monetary reward, then I should be a millionaire by now. :-)