International PhD applicant on reserve list for a UK DTN

Just received an update on interview outcome for a UK DTN yesterday that I've been placed "high" on the reserve list. I am an overseas candidate so just about 6-7 positions in all.

Any international candidates had this experience of a positive outcome after being put on the reserve list?

The admissions committee mentioned in emails at every step that applicants who accepted offers elsewhere and were not interested in this one anymore, could withdraw their applications. Do people actually do that? And if they do, since we're quite close to the NERC deadline (18 March), I'm feeling somewhat hopeless, because those who retained their applications would be the ones really interested.

I am soo dearly hoping for a miracle. Any insights T_T