The permits may be available only 2 days in advance due to a policy rule. You should call the Inyo National Forest wilderness permit office and ask. 760-873-2483.
I know they hold Trail Pass permits back because they want people to call and talk with a ranger about their plans -- people were trying to hop on the JMT northbound on that trail, which is not allowed. So they want to talk with every person getting a permit.
They may want to talk to you regarding the main trail to make sure you know of the closed gate and the snow hazards of hiking so early in the season. Or it may be that they release the permits to the online system manually a few days at a time. Call and ask. Please post what you find out here.
