This exact scenario, but on another airline, is why I will not fly through AUS by choice. I had to sit and watch my connecting flight arrive, deplane, board pax, and depart--because we could ONLY have that specific gate. I received ORC for my trip in vain. But in the course of the drama I also learned "this happens here" from agents in the lounge--who worked hard to rebook me but were out of options. If it has been a one-off, that would have been different, but apparently this is an ops issue. No thanks. Sorry you also had this happen. And I believe WN is the largest carrier at AUS?