I certainly believe that is what you saw. Unfortunately, as is so often the case in ATC v the FD is that the FD hasn't got a clue about what goes on behind the scenes in ATC which may influence these apparent illogical (to the FD) decisions. As I said, I have in these very forums read complaints from foreign crews about favouritism to BA at LHR. There is no way an UK ATCO would even go there. There are multiple reasons for plans to be changed at short notice, most of which will never be apparent to you on the FD. With such a busy airport as PMI it can happen there just as it can happen at LHR.