Why does one book for 10 people? To reserve a place with a pleasant view? To make sure the group can sit together? to make sure the table is set for 10? If the restaurant has taken the trouble to arrange things for 10 it is quite frustrating to have 17 turn up.
Whether they take the extras in their stride or not depends on a lot of other things.
If I were planning to take 3 very small children (bigger ones don't necessarily need the strap between the legs), I would have said this clearly on making the booking (with emphasis on the very small) to ensure that 3 high-chairs were available! And then there would be reason to complain if the straps were missing.
At least some of the positive comments from the 'opposition' have no real relevance for an event he wasn't present at. Since negative reports can have such adverse effects on a restaurant, he might have been better advised to hope that you go again and are more satisfied!
A different thought.
I wonder how long after your run this meal took place.
Quite apart from being tired and hungry, I wonder if the blood lactate wasn't still a bit high from the exercise. I don't know about you, but my tolerance level is WAY down if I have been swimming, running, walking or biking hard enough to push it up. Irrespective of how long after the event the comments were written, the feelings present at the time would come back to the surface.