I think this is an excellent point. Being pampered as mentioned multiple times in the OP isn't something that ED staff have the luxury to provide so if there were some compassionate nurses going above and beyond I'd also remember that when the entire experience is considered.

OPs symptoms certainly sound worthy of a trip to the ED although do keep in mind there are car accidents, critically sick babies, strokes, heart attacks and drug overdoses that all take precedence over pain complaints in the ED. Not ideal for the person in severe pain but just the way it has to go to triage and save the lives of those who are in immediate danger of dying.