yep, Im not heading straight out either but the timescale works for me this time. Probably going to add another country to the ittinery if I can get cheap flights and cheap accommodation. May have to get another METV for later next year, but at least I know the timescale now.
Interesting question. If it was me I would write to the CEO of the airline explaining that their cancelling has cost you an extension plus hotels etc. Nothing to lose. I once complained to KLM about a not dis-similar issue and got a big refund. Nothing to lose. Who is the airline, if you dont mind telling us?