The Delta agents were/ are correct. Delta, is not, nor is any airline, responsible for delays, or cancellations, due to weather. The decision to cancel a flight because of the weather, may not be the same decision every airline makes, but I assure you, if you look back, you will see that Delta operated other flights that day, along with the other airlines you mentioned, but unfortunately, cancelled yours. NorthWest, Continental, and American most likely cancelled flights that day, as well.
Reporting this to the DOT, or the FAA will not achieve you any luck with this matter. The FAA is the one who implements grounds stops, during weather, which can lead to cancellations. The FAA is the one that makes all of the regulations regarding what kind of weather airplanes, and pilots can fly in. When the FAA looks back on this day, they will only side with Delta, and their decision to cancel the flight.
In a situation where weather exists, each airline can make a judgement call on whether to operate the flight in those conditions. If they do not feel it is safe, they will delay, or cancel, if the FAA, itself, doesn't force them to delay, or cancel, by implementing ground stops.
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