I hear you and like I said I'm not oppossed to it. As for why you don't have one this year. I can only assume someone enforced the rules this year when they did not last year.
As the rules are written if they were to make an exception for you they would have to make one for me and everyone else with access to a keyboard.
If I were you I would respectfully request that someone explain why you were denied and then ask if there is any possibility for an exemption.
In the long run if they are going to allow podcast, blogs, vlogs, etc. then they are going to have to document some type of criteria that must be meet so it doesn't become a free for all. You certainly seem to be doing it the right way but trust me someone will abuse the privelage.
Take the example of "influencers".
There are already businesses that are getting fed up with "influencers" who expect businesses to compensate them for everything from merchandise, to food, trips, or services because of their online following. Its one thing when you have a million followers but when you have a couple thousand and are making these demands of a business you have truly lost touch with reality. I've heard one restaurant owner tell his staff that if anyone plays the "influencer" card to throw them out.
Best of luck to you.