Pat apparently you and i don't work in the same environment and have distinctly different work cultures.
Some of us have strong data backgrounds, others have strong sales backgrounds but regardless we all expect to be treated fairly. Fairly means quick and honest disclosure of issues and in the end a plan in the event that a disaster does occur.
For many of us it was not about finding somebody else to play with while the sandbox was busy, it was about losing hours of work as well as rework costs. For others the glitch led to other glitches with an even greater real dollar impact.
Most businesses do have performance penalties that are contractual and others do it on a good faith basis. My cable services and cell services always give a credit albeit small for service issues.
Don't tell us that our views are out of proportion.