Mid year 04 I was targeted by TSA and could not get a BP at all and had to get one from the agent at the airport. I was told it was our of their control.
I worked around the problem until magically one year later (mid 05) I was able again to get a BP once again and still can. So just be patient and get there early. And yes if the flight oversells and 137 people check in you are out of luck for that flight.