Good rant. Sounds like a messed up situation all around.

I have generally found that when you make the airline's decisions/situations their problem (not yours) things get resolved more quickly and sometimes faster/easier then they will let on. This is because they can't do the extraordinary for everyone on a cancelled flight. Unexpected hotel cost, meals, all of that might have been partially covered if you had a ticket and the cancellation was within the airline's control.

Had United do this to me years ago... Was told I might get home the next day. Stayed at the airport making it their problem and found a flight that got me home at 2:00AM. They bought dinner. Checked bag made it home a week later after spending some time in Las Vegas without me.

Of course this also means you have to tell work you won't be in on time and don't know when. I've worked in places that are okay with certain people saying that but not always others. YMMV. Also why I always book an extra day on the return off or come home over a weekend.

About the credit card... Credit card <> credit card debt. Most people don't draw a distinction but it's an important one. I use a credit card for nearly everything and pay it off a day or two before the close date. Haven't paid interest in years and get cash back. Much safer than using your debit for everything--look at the fraud protection/liability on each.