False sales techniques

So... just tried to by 2 tickets seated together for Devine Comedy at Wolves. 2 tickets left in a row of 3. Confirmed 2 seats, notified that i couldn't buy them, as this would leave a 'stranded Ticket'. Very infuriating, so I bought a single ticket, which left 2. My partner tried to buy another single ticket next to the one i'd just bought, only to be told that she couldn't, as this would leave a 'stranded ticket'. So we now have 3 tickets, feeling duped by the crafty sales technique. And guess what? No refund option. Is this dirty trick, or what?