junglejuice.
You are quite correct.
In long haul, there is a strict open time allocation procedure which must be followed for the award of a trip (a strict order of allocation).
This must be adhered to. You can ring up and ask for reasons why you weren't awarded the trip. The answer will have everything to do with your priority in the allocation process. For example, pattern protection having priority over a trade, which has priority over a reserve line holder etc. It is all now very transparent.