AUS - JFK: Should Have Flown Spirit

Flight from Austin to JFK this past Monday, 5/5. Poor weather in both cities led to delays, understandable. What’s not understandable is the 5 or so hours we spent on the tarmac, refueling, being passed by, receiving all sorts of timeframes and general incompetence. Finally deplane for 90 minutes, receive mixed messaging (or rude/no messaging) regarding new departure time and arrival.

Eventually figure out where I have to board again (others certainly missed the flight) only to sit on the tarmac another 2 hours to refuel. All in all, a 4 hour flight turned into about 12 hours on the plane and a 16+ hour door to door trip.

Had a buddy flying Spirit same day with a later departure time, he happened to get home only about an hour late of original ETA. The later delta flights to JFK also departed/arrived before us.

Sent a strongly worded complaint - is there any chance of reimbursement/miles/etc? Was genuinely considering opening a delta Amex soon as I’ve used them consistently the last few years, flew first on the way down. Naturally was stuck middle sit in comfort plus on the way back to JFK, as a large man.

Genuinely wondering why I’d shell out more money for mediocrity or worse when flying domestic.