"Economy" flight booking costs $500 extra!

My daughter and friend booked on EasyJet from Athens to Milan, then Milan to Barcelona with a 3 hour transit in Milan. Due to a delay of over 2.5 hours in Athens, they missed flight to Barcelona. The rep there did nothing to help, told them it was their fault for not allowing enough time between flights (EasyJet's own published advice is to allow two and a half hours and they had allowed even more). They were told they would get no refund for the flight they missed and that they would have to wait for a flight the next morning and pay again. They were not prepared for all the extra expense, so they called me and I helped them arrange a hotel nearby. As a former airline employee myself, I was surprised at the way they were treated. I spoke with someone from EasyJet who agreed it was a bad situation, and told me I could write to complain but they knew nothing would be done. They were right. I have sent multiple emails, I've had three responses and they all say it is "company policy." Even if the delay is their fault, the passenger pays the price. Costs for the additional hotel night, transportation to and from hotel and additional EasyJet tickets they were forced to buy? Another $500 out of pocket...