I hailed for room — why didn't the other boat have to give it?

Rule 20 only entitles you to room to tack at a genuine obstruction, when you need to make a substantial course change, and you must hail loud enough to be heard. A bad hail, a non-obstruction, or hailing when you could simply duck the other boat — none of those entitle you to room.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6v73oTL6pKk" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/upwind/case-10-calling-room-wrong/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>

Next on this shelf — The Upwind Beat