I stayed in Ontario this past summer at a CG that did not take my CC or give me a written confirmation.
Before I drove to Canada on a "I told you so" I requested the CG send me an E mail confirmation of my reservation.
While it was a very informal E mail the CG did give it to me in writing.
I arrived and everything was fine.
This CG had a very loose reservation policy where I could see the potential for problems like you encountered. On a local trip or somewhere that I know I have other options I might wing it. But on longer trips especially in remote areas where my options are limited. I try to have my reservations in writing.
In the end I guess it doesn't matter if I had written confirmation or not,if the CG did not save me a spot or honor my reservation I would still be SOL.
I suddenly feel you pain,aggravation and frustration!
