How do you know they couldn't do anymore, and 'bent over backwards'?
The only thing I have been able to see they actually did was volunteer. Do you know what else they did?
According to Luton the EFL had given no advice on what plans needed to be in place, despite being asked, so when they were informed they had been selected they decided there wasn't enough time to get ready. Sounded like they volunteered with no information as to what would be needed, so I assume City will have been the same.
What was it that City had done before they were informed that meant that they were more ready than Luton?