I do not agree with that assessment at all.

If the OP had not been on the list, then the next person who'd requested an eUp would have received it.

If there were no more revenue passengers, a deadheading crew member would have received it.

If no other revenue passengers had requested an eUp and there were no staff in Y, then the OP may have been given an op up, assuming status and fare class were highest.

OP requested an eUp, received an eUp after being told it was unlikely, and is annoyed with the outcome