EXECUTIVE DECISION: "O'boy, my first. Prob. get fired for this" LOL, NOT
Faterson, Ellis has been away, and unfortunately I don't think he realised the effort you made in trying to get your match played. So I am overruling him (ouch) and reinstating you in the match for the vacated Hack Belt. As you are above Gao on the list you will be considered the host. As such, it will be your choice as to where, and what kind of game you play.
The rules state that anyone who holds the belt for a month automatically gets bumped up to the next higher division. Even tho Bob, and you did not play, he has held the belt for over a month and is eligible for advancement. ( I, moved up to masters div. this way) So, hopefully this clears up things a bit, and all is well. Good luck in your bid for the title. :-)