I always like the angry customer logic. "It was important that I saved extra money on this. I couldn't get what I wanted. Next time, I will spend double to spite them"

Every price match policy in the history of the world has a process and exclusions. The OP didn't read it.

With that said, IHG is usually not helpful, except for when I call the ambassador line. I just book a refundable rate, and if something better comes along, I rebook. Easy enough