Am I correct that they informed you that the reason the flight was cancelled was due to crew shortage. That has never happened to me. Then I would be upset, maybe with the union more than the airline.

As for not returning your baggage. Think about it. You start at point A, layover at point B to continue to point C. What cargo holder does your luggage go into? I would assume the one to 'C'. Doubt they would unpack a container at point 'B' for one or two items. That sounds like an exercise in drill.

Your assumption that the camera was removed at the layover stop, I believe, is unfounded. My son worked for an airline and from what I understand a container destined for a final destination was not opened from the time of loading to the final destination. Your most likely point of theft was at the initial check in point and there are many people who had access to it besides the airline. Even that would not have been a problem had you followed the airline industry standards of not putting temptation of valuable items in check through luggage. I don't believe a baggage handler would just randomly go through a bag so suspect it was discovered by security.
On our recent flight from Canada to San Diego they removed a very cheap cigarette lighted my wife had purchased as a Niagara Fall item. She did not read the instructions that lighters are not allowed in check through luggage. Maybe she should file a calim. NOT. Mine went through but not hers. Would a baggage handler have opened her luggage to take a $2 lighter, doubt it.
All in all I think you should be thankful you made it home and are able to vent your frustration. Just my personal opinion.
Wishing you enough,
and better flights in the future
Dick Staeffler R-3828