As near as I have been able to tell,

The booking agents first priority is to make himself money.

Second priority is to make the PH money. Sometimes.

Third is to make the customer happy.

Too many of the agents have never hunted with the outfits they are booking for, and will say anything except that they "Don't know."

The reality is that if you were not happy with the agent, don't use them again or recommend them to others. The industry is unregulated except by withholding business from them.

All in all, if the lack of a shotgun was your only problem, count your blessings.

If you are happy with the deal otherwise, you might be able to use the shotgun business to leverage something the next time you book with them. But they still get more of your money.

Good luck.