We're users just like you and have no social associations with Apple. You have as much as we do.
Have you checked your backups for the data? If the data is truly gone, and it doesn't really matter the mechanism, your only hope may be your backups. All Macs have a built-in backup app Time Machine, but it has to be setup by the user. TM is used in conjunction with a dedicated external drive (I advocate a pair for added security).
If you were using iCloud to store the files and you failed to "pay the rent" on your additional space required, when your contract ran out the data space was set back to the much smaller free amount and data would be lost. That's all I can think of for your situation. But, iCloud is not a long term autonomous storage solution, it's an interactive service that reflects changes you make locally. I have no idea if your data is lost in my stated manner or not, or if Apple can help you with it. You'll have to talk to them.
Having said that, have you checked your local drive? Depending on exactly how you were using iCloud, data is maintained on the local drive. If it was set up to do that, so this possibility depends on how you were using iCloud. Let's hope Apple can help you.
As to Apple's cutthroat actions, the use of iCloud and its limitations, costs, payment requirements and conditions, are clearly spelled out. Apple can do only so much to get users to "take care of themselves" with reminders and usage suggestions. We are all subject to the same rules, term and conditions as you are and I personally feel Apple bends over backwards to help users keep their data safe and secured.
