[bpb]

The closest thing to your situation were the Party Poker WSOP step tournaments. Since the top step tournament pays out re-entries for 2nd/3rd place, it is mathematically impossible to NOT have entries left over. Party initially said that people with left over entries were screwed, but recanted after a barrage of emails pointing out how ludicrous the situation was.

Regarding your issue with Bet365 ... they are attempting to steal your money. I would try reasoning with them again with some polite logical emails which harp on the fact that

1) You wanted to play in the satellite but were unable to due to lack of players
2) The cash value of your entry doesn't belong to Bet365. The funds were provided by the entry fees of players who lost in the lower satellite levels, and held in escrow for payout to the final level satellite winner. Bet365 got their vig from each entry in each level of the tournament. The entire cash value of your entry belongs to you.

If they don't listen to reason, I would inform them that you're going to post these polite, well-written, and logical arguments on every poker-related message board you can find.