I don't know if it's been mentioned but there is some sort of realization that things can go wrong when flying.
The whole flight could have been cancelled and they could have ended up in a hotel for the night either way.
Now I realize that is not the same thing as being singled out and being the only ones forced to spend the night.
I also wholeheartedly agree that it was ridiculous to choose minors and not even try to offer the bump to someone else.
I feel awful for the mother and the kids because it's a horrible feeling. But at the same time I do feel that at the very least you have to be prepared for normal complications that arise.
Nice article by the way. Let's see if/how they respond.