I canceled a reservation request but then the exact dates that the guest requested opened up the next day and I was able to grant the original reservation. Any way I can avoid being marked down for that cancellation?
You couldn't have cancelled a reservation request- you can only cancel a confirmed booking. You mean you declined it? Or that it was a confirmed IB booking?
And guests can only input dates on a request or booking that show as available. How were they able to request or book unavailable dates?