Anyone Had Luck Claiming Holiday Compensation Bia Abta?

Having had an awful package holiday experience last month, I've complained directly to travel agent (member of abta) to no avail...all they will offer is £500 (the holiday cost £30,000) and we had many problems from moment we booked. The chairman of company told me that's as much as they will offer, if I'm not happy with that go to abta (I had previously said I would go there if I wasn't happy with offer by travel agent). I'm concerned they have opted.to direct me in their direction and fear they know I'm setting myself up for £0.

Anyone successfully made complaint via abta?