Matt, why do you say legal action would not prevail? US Airways did not get them to their destination without considerable extra cost. If you turned up at the airport and an airline said we will get you there, but you will have to pay An extra $500, surely you would have an actionable case for breach of contract? In this case, US Airways forced the party to incur extra costs for a breach that they themselves were responsible for. I would file a claim in small claims, for cash compensation, and I would refuse any voucher. Vouchers are not worth the paper they are written on, and often cost more to redeem than you would be able to buy on the open market.
I agree the kosher meals and rude agents are an irritation and this is not actionable, but the taxi's and additional costs to mitigate the failure of the airline i think are. It would be worth taking a chance in small claims. If you lose, the amount is small and you have the bonus of costing US Airways the time, legal costs and irritation of defending themselves. A more likely outcome is that they will play hardball until the day before the hearing and then offer a compromise deal. Refuse it unless it has cash compensation as part of the deal. I thnk you have a better than evens chance of winning.
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