This whole thing would not have played out this way at United. UAL (now UCH), would have publicly apologized, tried to appease these two "valued customers", offered them deferred compensation, and FC travel for life.
The crew, however, would have been penalized, given time off without pay pending a job action determination, and been subject to review concerning their actions. After all, the company has not only lost revenue from this flight, but any future gains from these 'valued clients'.
Bot666
jmho