I agree. This is a side effect of automation. You are either part of the 80% the process is optimized for, or you're an edge case that nobody cares about because you're outside the cost/benefit calculation. I hate it too, but I think the only recourse is not to buy from places that behave this way.
I'm pretty sure there is a Black Mirror episode where someone ends up becoming an "edge case" and it all goes downhill from there. I haven't actually watched it but have read about it referenced in many similar contexts so maybe someone knows the actual episode.
I'm a human and I find that unusual enough to close down your account. Especially if those gift cards came from all over the world. That's a common MO for scammers. You probably should just submit the paperwork and move on with life.