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It wasn't ACO's fault that GT1 succumbed to it's death, and that FIA GT banned them after 1998. As for 1999, true there wasn't anything but the brand-new ALMS in offer (which though IMO was the world sportscar championship of it's day), except the oneoff Fuji 1000km held in autumn.

But, but, for 2000 the ALMS and ACO attempted to establish European based Le Mans Series, as well as Asia-Pacific Championship for 00-01. They ultimately didn't succeed due lack of entries and whatnot, but the point is, it wasn't the lack of trying. The broader prototype manufacturer interest just wasn't there.

The Great Manufacturer Escape at the turn of the century had nothing to do with where they where eligible. Most of those efforts wouldn't exist without LM, the other races were just bonus and practice on side.

Btw Porsche folded after 1998 already, nothing besides some old GTS and GT 911s was left for 1999 (except the lone privateer Champion GT1 in the ALMS)