Hello dogzwuff.

Wow I am very sorry to hear of this happening to you!
I would like to advise you to go to the GPWA.org and file a complaint with them.
These people would be the ones to spread the word and possibly get you your winnings.
That policy is ridiculous as you say but unfortunately they do get to make up their own rules and good for you for keeping records and reading the terms and conditions.

Good luck!
Diva