Follow-Up to Epic Delay

A few days ago, I posted an item called "Air Travel -- Fun or None?" detailing an delay in San Francisco, connected from Denver to Maui on the same aircraft (different flight numbers). Cynic that I am, I was not expecting more than a a verbal apology from United. Much to my surprise, the airline did not charge for food or drinks on the long-delayed flight -- a delay that was nearly five hours by the time the aircraft finally pushed back. Much to my greater surprise, I received an E-mail offering a $250 credit on a future flight, some kind of upgrade oppotunity or a credit of 10,000 Mileage Plus miles. I picked the $250 credit.